The Nation Newspaper

Category: Niger Delta

  • ‘Traces of Time’ as Gov Otu blends history, vision at Carnival Calabar theme unveiling

    ‘Traces of Time’ as Gov Otu blends history, vision at Carnival Calabar theme unveiling

    By Linus Obogo 

    The venue was the plush 5-star Transcorp Hilton Hotels, Abuja. In a spectacle of brilliance, radiance and cultural grandeur, Governor Bassey Edet Otu  last week etched his name in golden ink on the canvas of history by orchestrating a most resplendent unveiling of the 2025 Carnival Calabar theme—“Traces of Time”. 

    With an assemblage of dignitaries whose presence cut across continents and sectors, from eminent past governors and diplomats to global tourism icons and captains of industry, the governor proved that Calabar’s heartbeat resounds far beyond the borders of Cross River State. This was not merely an unveiling—it was an international declaration of purpose, passion, and prestige, brilliantly marketed to the eyes and ears of the world.

    The evening pulsed with emotion as Governor Otu, flanked by two of his illustrious predecessors—Mr. Donald Duke and Senator Liyel Imoke—honoured the bold dreams that first set the Carnival in motion two decades ago. His reverence for continuity was palpable, as he paid sumptuous tribute not just with words, but with actions that affirmed his place in the lineage of visionaries who nurtured Africa’s biggest street party from an idea into a global cultural phenomenon. And there, before a hall radiant with the glow of diplomacy and elegance, the 20th anniversary cake was cut—a symbol of legacy passed down, yet freshly reborn.

    With eloquence worthy of statesmen and poets, Governor Otu declared the Carnival a vessel of identity and ingenuity. “Carnival Calabar,” he intoned, “is not just a parade of colors; it is a bold expression of our collective dreams, cultural heritage, and economic ingenuity.” In those words, echoed a leader’s understanding that culture, when rightly harnessed, is both anchor and engine—holding a people to their roots even as it propels them into the future. Otu’s poetic cadence and visionary appeal found resonance among the diplomatic corps and business leaders in attendance, who recognized in his message the universality of culture as a tool for unity, peace, and prosperity.

    This was not a night of spectacle alone, but one steeped in import. By placing the Carnival’s unveiling on such a prominent international platform, Governor Otu turned a local celebration into a global invitation. He summoned the world to Calabar—not just to witness colour and choreography—but to partake in a spiritual and economic journey through time. With “Traces of Time” as this year’s theme, the 2025 edition promises more than pageantry—it promises reflection, reconnection, and rejuvenation. It will be a pilgrimage through memory and modernity, where each float, each drumbeat, each dance step will narrate the story of a people proud of their past and boldly walking into tomorrow.

    Among those who hailed the Governor’s deft diplomacy and vision was the UN Resident Representative, Elsie Atafuwa, who praised the Carnival as a cultural powerhouse aligning perfectly with global development goals. Her sentiments were echoed by Obi Asika of the National Council for Arts and Culture, who highlighted the festival’s role in promoting Afrobeats and storytelling, and by Aisha Adamu of the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilization, who pledged to expand the Carnival’s influence across the African diaspora. These endorsements were not mere ceremonial affirmations—they were strategic recognitions of Calabar’s evolving role in the world’s cultural economy.

    Governor Otu’s speech also shone with humility and heart as he acknowledged the invisible hands that make the Carnival thrive: the band leaders, dancers, caterers, tailors, sanitation workers, and artisans who form the festival’s living soul. These unsung heroes, often lost in the dazzle of center stage, were elevated to their rightful place as the true custodians of Cross River’s pride and resilience. With new innovations such as the Junior Carnival, the Night of Kings and Queens, and the regional Ikom and Ogoja Carnivals, Governor Otu’s administration has breathed fresh life into the veins of a legacy already rich in rhythm.

    The night’s crescendo came not only in words and ceremony, but in the spirit that lingered—one of hope, unity, and a rediscovery of self. As Sir Gabe Onah reflected on the transformation of a 12-kilometer route into the longest carnival stretch in the world, he reminded all that Carnival Calabar is no longer just a spectacle—it is an economic engine, an artistic laboratory, and a symbol of what Africa can achieve when vision meets resilience. The partnership with AfriExim Bank, Deloitte, and other global players is a testament to that fact, validating Governor Otu’s emphasis on sustainable tourism and creative industry development.

    Thus, under the theme “Traces of Time,” the 2025 Carnival Calabar promises to be more than a festival—it will be a living archive, a museum in motion, and a masterpiece in progress. With the world’s eyes now trained on Cross River State, the task ahead is noble and clear: to deliver a celebration befitting its heritage, worthy of its heroes, and resonant with the times. And at the helm stands Governor Bassey Edet Otu—gracious, visionary, and resolute—guiding this cultural colossus into a future as dazzling as the carnival lights that dance through Calabar every December.

    Obogo is Special Adviser to Gov Bassey Edet Otu on Media and Publicity 

    linusobogo@gmail.com

  • Boro’s Legacy: Otuaro advocates for peace, unity, expanded opportunities

    Boro’s Legacy: Otuaro advocates for peace, unity, expanded opportunities

    As the Ijaw Nation marked Boro Day on Thursday, the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), High Chief (Dr.) Dennis Otuaro, called on Niger Delta youths to embrace peace, unity, and collective vigilance for the future of the region.

    Speaking at a gathering to commemorate the legacy of late Ijaw freedom fighter, Major Isaac Jasper Adaka Boro, Dr Otuaro emphasized the importance of using intellectual engagement and governance participation as tools for advancing the struggle for resource control.

    “Today, we are not just remembering Boro as a hero of the past, we are celebrating him as a father of the Ijaw nation whose spirit is alive with us. He laid the foundation for our fight for justice. Our elders fought differently, but today, we must channel our struggle through intellect, unity, and peace,” the PAP boss said.

    Representing the federal government, Dr. Otuaro conveyed goodwill messages from President Bola Tinubu, the National Security Adviser and stakeholders in the Presidential Amnesty Programme, assuring that the programme would be more inclusive going forward.

    According to him; “Peace in our communities brings peace to our region. My appeal to our youth, kingdoms and clans is to uphold this peace. We must love one another, and even love our neighbours. Let us be vigilant, united, and committed to sustaining the calm we have”.

    Reflecting on the progress made within his first year in office, Dr. Otuaro disclosed plans to broaden the scope of the Amnesty Programme to reach more beneficiaries.

    He said that; “We currently have 30,000 people captured in the database, but this is not just about numbers. I am a product of the Niger Delta struggle, and I understand what this means for our people, our women, our mothers, and our children. The goal is to ensure no one is left out”.

    Addressing critics and what he described as attempts at blackmail, Dr. Otuaro made it clear that the Amnesty Programme under his leadership would not be hijacked by personal interests.

    In his words; “This programme is not for a few greedy individuals. It belongs to the people. I am focused on my mandate, and I will not be distracted by those who feel entitled. Everyone must be carried along in line with the purpose of the programme”.

  • Idemudo emerges national patron of Remi Tinubu support organisation

    Idemudo emerges national patron of Remi Tinubu support organisation

    National Leader of the Progressive People’s Resolution (PPR), Ubong Idemudo, an engineer, has been named National Patron of the Remi Tinubu Support Organization (RETSO), a move that is expected to shape Nigeria’s political and social landscape.

    RETSO’s National Coordinator, Yusi Buba, announced this during a high-profile event in Abuja, attended by political leaders, civil society advocates, and grassroots mobilizers from across the country.

    This strategic partnership between two influential platforms underscores a shared commitment to inclusive governance, youth empowerment, and national progress.

    RETSO, a prominent advocacy group aligned with the ideals of Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, views the appointment as a significant step in enhancing its leadership by involving individuals known for their integrity and far-reaching influence.

    Idemudo, recognised for his work in grassroots mobilization and public policy advocacy, accepts the honour with “deep humility and renewed resolve.” 

    In his address, he reiterated commitment to RETSO’s goals and lauded Senator Tinubu’s leadership in promoting gender equality, youth inclusion, and democratic values.

    “This appointment is not just a personal honour—it is a call to action,” Idemudo stated. “It’s an opportunity to unite our people and move forward with a vision for a Nigeria that works for all.”

    Political analysts suggest that the collaboration between RETSO and PPR—regarded as one of Sub-Saharan Africa’s largest socio-political organizations—could significantly enhance civic engagement, particularly among young Nigerians and marginalized communities.

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    A statement from the Office of Engr. Idemudo’s Personal Media Aide describes the appointment as “an endorsement of principled leadership, people-centered governance, and visionary collaboration.”

    This move marks a new phase for RETSO, which aims to expand its influence across the country while strengthening the legacy of Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s leadership.

    Stakeholders across the political spectrum have welcomed the development, noting that it will enhance democratic participation and ensure continuity in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.

  • Peace, stability, progress returning to Rivers under emergency rule — RPC

    Peace, stability, progress returning to Rivers under emergency rule — RPC

    The Rivers Peace Congress (RPC) has said that the declaration of a state of emergency by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is already yielding positive results, especially in restoring peace, order, and unity to the once politically volatile state.

    In a statement issued on Friday and signed by its national president, Comrade Randy Prince, the group expressed strong for the president’s decision to suspend Governor Siminalayi Fubara and appoint Ibok-Eket Ibas (rtd) as Sole Administrator of the state, following what it described as “months of legislative disobedience, governance breakdown, and brewing anarchy”.

    The RPC described President Tinubu’s intervention as bold, timely, and necessary to protect democracy, lives, and public assets from being eroded by personal power struggles.

    “The intervention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Rivers State came at a time when the very fabric of governance was at risk,” the statement read. 

    “The breakdown of trust between the executive and legislature had reached dangerous levels. We had a governor who defied court orders, ignored constitutional checks, and appeared more interested in fighting perceived enemies than in governing. The state was on the brink. But with the state of emergency in place, we are now seeing calm return, institutions function again, and citizens breathe a sigh of relief.”

    RPC said that since the appointment of Ibas as the Sole Administrator, there has been a visible improvement in inter-agency cooperation, public service delivery, and conflict resolution, especially in Port Harcourt and surrounding local councils.

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    “Rivers people can now go to sleep with both eyes closed. Markets have reopened without fear of politically motivated violence. Civil servants are receiving their salaries without stories. The ministries are working, and public projects have resumed. The paralysis that plagued governance has been lifted. And the credit goes to President Tinubu for putting the interest of the people above politics,” the statement added.

    Prince noted that while some critics may describe the move as undemocratic, the bigger picture was the preservation of national unity and to salvage the state from total collapse.

    “Let us be honest with ourselves, Rivers State was sinking into a constitutional crisis. The judiciary was under siege. The state assembly had become a theatre of war. The governor, by his conduct, isolated himself from elders and even the rule of law. President Tinubu acted, not out of malice, but in defence of peace and the democratic order.”

    RPC also praised Ibas for showing maturity, leadership, and humility in handling the complex challenges of Rivers State with minimal disruption.

    “Ibas has proven himself to be a bridge builder He has reached out to all factions with dignity and respect. He’s not chasing headlines or fighting ghosts. He’s focused on restoring service delivery, rebuilding institutions, and giving Rivers people a sense of belonging again. That is the kind of leadership we need in times of crisis.”

    In the statement, RPC urged international observers and rights organisations to put context before criticism and understand that extraordinary times often require extraordinary decisions to preserve peace and order.

    “We invite the international community to see Rivers not through the lens of propaganda but through the real experiences of its citizens,” the statement said. 

    “Those who are shouting dictatorship from afar did not live here when government offices were under siege and 26 lawmakers were locked out of the assembly thereby denying thousands of Rivers people representation,” Prince said.

    “They were not here when government appointments became tools of revenge. We are here, and we can say that the emergency has helped us take a breath and start afresh.”

    The group called on Rivers elites, traditional rulers, and the business community to rally behind the Sole Administrator and support the federal government’s roadmap to full political reconciliation and eventual return to democratic elections in the state.

    “This is not the time to divide the state further; this is the time for healing. We call on all stakeholders to put Rivers first. We cannot afford to allow personal egos or ethnic loyalties to derail the progress we have started seeing. The Tinubu administration has shown that it has the genuine interest of Rivers at heart. Let us work with it.”

    In closing, RPC thanked President Tinubu for taking decisive action when others hesitated and for demonstrating “true statesmanship in the face of political sabotage”.

    “History will remember that when Rivers cried for help, President Tinubu answered. He didn’t look the other way. He stood for order, peace, and progress. And we, the Rivers Peace Congress, will continue to support this government and the Sole Administrator as long as they continue to put the people first,” Prince stressed.

  • Okpella Kingship Crisis: Ukhomuyio Community rejects Sado’s nomination, sets up new committees

    Okpella Kingship Crisis: Ukhomuyio Community rejects Sado’s nomination, sets up new committees

    The Ukhomuyio community of Okpella in Edo State has rejected the recent nomination of Mike Sado as the Okuokpellagbe, citing a flawed process that excluded the community’s participation.

    This was contained in a Communique jointly signed by the President of the Community, Sam Afemikhe, High Chief Julius Ederefo of the Ukhomunyio Council of Village Heads and Comrade Merrv Omoalu President, Ukhomunyio Youth Association.

    The communique stated that Mr Sado was the only candidate in that meeting conducted by a few individuals who were not from Ukhomuyio.

    According to the communique, Ukhomunyio, whose turn it is to produce the Okuokpellagbe, feels disenfranchised because the government has not allowed the Ukhomunyio Sub-Ruling Area to carry out the process of choosing an acceptable Okuokpellagbe in line with the directives of Government and the extant laws for the appointment of Okuokpellagbe.

    Following the development, Ukhomuyio has set up a new executive group to resolve the impasse and engender growth and development in the community.

    Members of the community during a meeting at the Afokpella Secondary School on Sunday had their focus on unifying and repositioning the community.

    According to a statement by the Public Relations Officer of the community, Dr Samson Omosotomhe, the meeting marked a significant turning point as new executive leadership was established, with a vision for the future.

    The newly elected executive, with a mission of rescue and recovery and a vision to make Ukhomuyio socially and economically developed, was tasked with steering the community towards unity, justice, and progress.

    “The agenda includes uniting the entire Ukhomuyio community to heal the wounds of the past seven years, fostering integration between Ukhomuyio and the wider Okpella community, engaging with government stakeholders to resolve the Okhuokpellagbe impasse equitably, and partnering with operating companies to ensure Ukhomuyio benefits from local economic resources. 

    Other agenda are: “To launch aggressive development initiatives to make up for lost time and collaborate with the government to enhance security, enabling safe farming and peaceful living”.

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    Omosotomhe emphasized that the renewed leadership was a call to all Ukhomuyio sons and daughters to rise in unity, filled with hope and purpose, towards a brighter future. 

    The executive members include; Samuel Sunday Onoshioagbe Afemikhe as president, Dr. Henry Idogun Vice President, Charles Ikumesomi Chairperson, Roland Ediawe Secretary, Mathew Okun Assistant Secretary, Okhale Labeshi Financial Secretary, Eshio Omokhagbo Assistant Financial Secretary, Mark Adogah Treasurer, Philip Odion Magnus Assistant Treasurer, Dr Samson Omosotomhe Public and Osaru Usman Relations Officers, Bar(s) Philip Thomas Ilukholo, Benjamin Onekpe, and Mutairu Hope Aliu as Legal Advisers, Jonathan Abu, and Lucky Afiabor as Security Officers and Engr. Sunday, Iremia; Dr. William Odiwo; Barr. Nicholas Aliu; Barnabas Eshiobho; Hon. Philip Akemokue; Hon. Ekhis Uduafemeh; Jerome Francisca as Ex Officio Members.

    It was also agreed that the Community empowers the President, working with other stakeholders, to create a robust and all-Inclusive team of well-meaning Ukhomunyio sons and daughters that will pilot the affairs of the community In collaboration with the Village Heads.

  • Edo approves renovation of burnt Oba market

    Edo approves renovation of burnt Oba market

    The Edo state government has approved the Renovation of the Burnt Oba market in fulfillment of the promises made by Governor Monday Okpebholo.

    This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Hon Paul Ohonbamu, after the State Executive Council meeting presided over by the Governor and Chairman-in-Council in Benin City.

    He said, during the campaigns, Governor Monday Okpebholo promised to rebuild the Oba market, which was burnt. Today, Exco has approved the renovation of the entire Oba market, including the burnt areas.

    According to the Commissioner, EXCO also approved the construction of a road to the village of his immediate predecessor, Godwin Obaseki.

    Hon Ohonbamu said, ex-Governor Obaseki betrayed his people by failing to construct the road leading to his village.

    He noted that Governor Okpebholo, who is leading an all-inclusive administration, believes that development must be universal and has therefore approved the construction of the road, which is in the Uhunmwonde Local Government Area of the state.

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    “People from the former governor’s area in Uhunmwonde Local Government came to appeal to Governor Monday Okpebholo to help them repair the road, which was abandoned by Obaseki, who betrayed his people, leaving the road in bad shape.

    “Okpebholo feels development is universal, and he approved the construction of the road to ensure the people enjoy the dividends of democracy”, he stated.

    Hon. Ohonbamu also disclosed that a 25 per cent advance payment was approved for the construction of about eleven roads, including the second flyover bridge at Sapele road, Adesuwa intersection.

    He further noted that the approval of the 25 per cent will enable contractors to embark on the construction of these roads, and also the second flyover bridge at Sapele Road.

    “Exco also approved the construction of EDSTMA office at Sapele road and to achieve the dream of food sufficiency in Edo State, Exco also approved fertilizer warehouses across the three Senatorial Districts, with one lot in Irrua, another in Auchi while the third will be in Benin City to boost agricultural activities and aid farmers in the farming season.”

    Ohonbamu also disclosed that the Council approved a 100-bed capacity hospital at Uwessan, which will serve the nursing school being constructed at Udomi, Uwessan in Esan Central Local Government.

    “Finally, EXCO approved the contract for the construction of Uhie Road, off Sapele Road, and also the purchase of furniture and electronics for various MDAS, which have already been renovated, the Commissioner added.

  • From forgotten roads to remembered elders: Otu rewriting Cross River’s future

    From forgotten roads to remembered elders: Otu rewriting Cross River’s future

    By Linus Obogo 

    In the annals of Cross River State’s political journey, few moments shimmer as brightly as this present season, a renaissance steered by the indomitable will and visionary grace of Senator Bassey Edet Otu. With the solemnity of a statesman and the soul of a servant-leader, Governor Otu is scripting a golden chapter in the tapestry of governance, where policies are not merely passed but are imbued with compassion, foresight, and the unshakable determination to uplift every Cross Riverian. In his wake is a trail of reforms, radiant with promise and echoing the anthem of a people finally reawakening to hope.

    At the heart of this transformative symphony are three epoch-making laws recently signed into existence — the Cross River State Road Maintenance Agency (Amendment) Law, the Lotteries and Gaming Agency Law, and the Senior Citizens Centre Law, all of 2025. These are not mere bureaucratic instruments; they are philosophical declarations of a governor who governs not from a throne but from the very soul of his people. Each law, crafted with poetic precision and strategic depth, speaks to a cornerstone of his “People First” creed — a doctrine that places the citizen not at the periphery but at the glowing center of governance.

    The amended Road Maintenance Agency Law, with its ingenious funding structure drawn from the pulse of the local government treasuries, is a masterstroke in sustainable infrastructure. No longer will the arteries of Cross River’s commerce be left to erode under the weight of neglect. Instead, from the bustling markets of Ikom to the tranquil hinterlands of Ogoja, roads shall now breathe with continuity and care. This is not merely construction; it is the reconnection of communities, the revitalization of movement, and the resurrection of trust between the governed and the government.

    Even more tender and ennobling is the Senior Citizens Centre Law — a legislative blossom in the garden of Governor Otu’s welfarist philosophy. In a nation where the elderly are too often cloaked in the invisibility of abandonment, Cross River now rises as a sanctuary of reverence. With plans to establish wellness centers in all senatorial districts, cascading down to every local government, Governor Otu is gently restoring dignity to the twilight years of our heroes past. It is a hymn of gratitude rendered in bricks and mortar, a sanctuary where wisdom finds rest, and where the aged, once forgotten, are now embraced.

    In the gaming and lotteries sector, the governor once again displays his rare alchemy of intellect and intuition. The newly minted Lotteries and Gaming Agency Law is an economic awakening, a bold realignment of state sovereignty with fiscal ingenuity. Comprising twelve robust parts, 102 meticulously crafted sections, and two detailed schedules, the law transforms what was once an unregulated grey zone into a crystalline avenue of revenue, innovation, and job creation. It is a legislation sculpted with clarity and enforced with integrity — a testament to a leader unafraid to confront disorder and channel it into opportunity.

    Yet, perhaps the most exhilarating jewel in this crown of reforms is the complete digitalization of the Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) issuance process. What was once a bureaucratic labyrinth of despair has now become a streamlined corridor of light. With deadlines of 21 days for government lands and 42 days for private holdings, Governor Otu has demolished the walls of delay and doubt. He has, with a stroke of genius, transformed land into collateral, dreams into documentation, and uncertainty into empowerment. This is not administration — this is emancipation.

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    Indeed, the echoes of gratitude have begun to resound across the land. Landlords and business owners, once caught in the cruel clutch of red tape, now stand tall with verifiable, tamper-proof titles in their hands. With QR-coded security features and a fully digital interface, Cross River is no longer playing catch-up with modernity — it is leading the charge. Institutions, investors, and individuals now gaze upon the state with new eyes, eyes that see a haven of clarity, security, and boundless promise.

    What Governor Otu has accomplished in mere months is not merely governance — it is a soulful dance between destiny and delivery. He has become the bridge between Cross River’s glorious past and its dazzling future, melding the integrity of tradition with the fire of innovation. His reforms are not loud proclamations; they are quiet revolutions. They do not just reach the headlines; they touch the heartlines. In him, Cross River has found not just a governor, but a visionary, a pathfinder, a gentle architect of renewal.

    And so, as the sun rises over the emerald hills and cobalt rivers of this blessed land, it bathes a state reborn in the warmth of visionary leadership. With every signed law, every paved road, every elderly hand uplifted, and every C-of-O issued, Senator Bassey Otu is declaring — not in speeches, but in actions — that the time of Cross River’s ascension is now. The people rejoice, not out of obligation, but from the wellspring of awe. For they are living in a time of greatness — and they know it.

    Obogo is Special Adviser to Governor Bassey Otu on Media and Publicity 

  • ‘UNIUYO graduate not a victim of organ harvesting’

    ‘UNIUYO graduate not a victim of organ harvesting’

    The eldest sister of the late Iniubong Umoren, a 26-year-old Philosophy graduate of the University of Uyo (UNIUYO) has debunked claims her sister was a victim of organ harvesting.

    Speaking at a news conference in Uyo, Ifiok Ephraim Umoren, sister of the deceased described the  allegation as “outrageous” and “deeply hurtful,” adding that she personally witnessed the autopsy, during which her sister’s  internal organs were confirmed intact.

    The deceased was murdered on April 29, 2021 under the guise of a job interview.

    The news conference was a response to recent claims by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan in a viral audio-visual conversation with US-based activist Dr Sandra C. Duru, in which she alleged that Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, was involved in harvesting Iniubong’s organs to save his wife.

    READ ALSO: Corruption and failed refineries

    “How can someone claim that my sister’s organs were harvested when I was right there during the autopsy? This accusation is not only false but dishonours the memory of my sister and retraumatises our family.

     “After her death, the police took the body for autopsy at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital. I was present. No organ was missing,” she said.

    The pathologist, Dr  Emeka Nwafor, who conducted the postmortem, also testified under oath in court in 2021 that while the body showed signs of decomposition and trauma, there was no evidence of organ removal.

    Legal experts and family members are considering legal redress against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for spreading what they call “defamatory and destabilizing misinformation.”

  • Renaissance Africa, JV donate ventilators, other medical equipment to Rivers teaching hospital

    Renaissance Africa, JV donate ventilators, other medical equipment to Rivers teaching hospital

    The oil giant, Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, has donated seven multimillion-naira medical equipment and drugs to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH).

    The items donated were four VG70 Aeonmed ventilators, a laser therapy machine, an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), a 7A-233D electronic suction apparatus, and an assortment of seed stock drugs.

    The General Manager of Relations and Sustainable Development, Renaissance, Mr Igo Weli, handed over the equipment to the hospitals during a brief ceremony in Port Harcourt.

    Weli said that the donation was part of the company’s commitment to strengthen healthcare delivery in Rivers, especially in its host communities.

    He said that the RSUTH’s ICU, despite having a nine-bed capacity, was currently operating with only a few operational ventilators describing it as a hindrance in servimg the large patient population.

    He said: “The demand for critical care has far outpaced the hospital’s equipment capacity, often forcing clinicians to make difficult choices on which patient receives ventilation support”.

    Weli said that Renaissance acted following a request from the hospital’s management for a laser therapy machine and other ICU-related equipment.

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    He said the company in partnership with its Joint Venture (JV) partners, NNPCL, Total Energies, and Eni, responded by expanding the scope of their support.

    He said: “The donated ventilators were originally acquired and set up as part of the company’s COVID-19 response but had remained unused.

    “We deemed it both necessary and impactful to donate them to a facility where they can actively contribute to saving lives, rather than allowing them to remain idle and depreciate.

    “The initiative is expected to alleviate the strain on the hospital’s ICU, enhance critical care services and ensure that no patient is denied essential life-support equipment”.

    He announced the donation of a multimillion-naira consignment of medications to support the drug revolving fund at RSUTH’s community-linked health facility.

    He said that the supply of thousands of essential medications was aimed at addressing the chronic out-of-stock syndrome plaguing many healthcare centres in the country.

    Weli urged proper maintenance of the equipment to guarantee its sustained usage in patient care and diagnosis.

    Receiving the medial kits, Prof. Chizindu Alikor, Chief Medical Director (CMD) of RSUTH, expressed gratitude to Renaissance and its JV partners for their timely intervention.

    He said that the Rivers Government had already made considerable investments in the hospital, including expanding its capacity from 300 beds to about 500 beds over the past 18 months.

    Alikor noted that although the RSUTH ICU was formally opened to the public in September 2023, the rising number of emergency cases had stretched the facility beyond its limits.

    He said: “We are delighted by Renaissance’s donation of several medical equipment and supplies to strengthen our capacity to provide quality healthcare to the people of Rivers State”.

    The CMD assured that the newly donated medical equipment would be used effectively and maintained for the benefit of patients.

    In his remarks, Dr Mekele Igwe, Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Health, commended Renaissance for its support to the teaching hospital and expressed confidence that the equipment would be optimally utilised.

  • FG cleans 1,700 hectares of Ogoni shoreline, trains 2,500 youths, women in oil spill response

    FG cleans 1,700 hectares of Ogoni shoreline, trains 2,500 youths, women in oil spill response

    The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, has announced that the federal government, through the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), has successfully cleaned up 1,700 hectares of oil-polluted shoreline in Ogoniland and trained 2,500 Ogoni youths and women in oil spill response and remediation.

    Speaking at the Federal Ministry of Information’s annual press briefing in Abuja, the minister highlighted the cleanup as a major milestone in the government’s efforts to address the environmental damage caused by decades of oil exploration and spills in Rivers State.

    He noted that those trained were awarded the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Level 1 and 2 certifications—globally recognised credentials in oil spill response.

    This initiative, he said, is part of the federal government’s broader strategy to restore Ogoniland and empower local communities through skills development and job creation.

    Lawal added that work is actively ongoing at 39 remediation sites across Rivers State, including the cleanup of 125.39 hectares of medium-risk oil-contaminated soil and groundwater. The project has also led to the direct employment and training of 1,453 Ogoni youths.

    “The Ogoni cleanup is gradually nearing completion,” the minister assured, reiterating the government’s commitment to environmental restoration and sustainable development in the region.

    “Under this Administration, the Ministry initiated the world’s most extensive mangrove restoration in Ogoniland by HYPREP. The pilot phase of 560ha is 85% completed, with over 2 million seedlings comprising red, black, and white mangrove species planted. This is the first mangrove restoration in Nigeria involving the planting of different species. 540 Ogoni youths and women were employed as community workers under the mangrove restoration project.

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    “The Ministry, under President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s administration, commissioned 9 out of 10 gigantic operational water treatment stations in Ogoni land under HYPREP. These water stations are now supplying potable water to over 30 communities in Ogoni land, the area.

    HYPREP is building a 100-bed Ogoni Specialist Hospital, which is at 67% completion stage and another 40-bed Buan Cottage Hospital at 90% completion to address the health-related issues in Ogoniland. Four (4) existing hospitals have also been upgraded and strengthened in Ogoniland (Bori, Kpite, Nchia, and Terabo) with state-of-the-art medical equipment to support the institute. 

    Lawal added that the construction of the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration (CEER) is at 80% completion. When completed, it will serve as an international hub for advanced innovative research in remediation and a repository of the extensive remediation and restoration data in the Ogoni cleanup that is being generated. A Faculty of Vocational Skill Acquisition will be attached to the Centre.

    Again, 300 Ogoni postgraduate students were offered scholarships in various institutions in Nigeria, and 390 secondary school students have benefited from HYPREP’s vocational training. The Nigerian Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NODSRA) is to regulate Nigeria’s oil and gas sector and to implement the National Oil Spill Contingency Plan (NOSCOP) with the mandate to oversee remediation efforts.

    In addition, the minister said, the department of afforestation has planted over 4 million trees in collaboration with the National Agency for Great Green Wall (NAGGW) and Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) across the country to combat deforestation and desertification.

    Massive afforestation programs are being carried out in Bagga Forest Reserve, Tila, Arewa LGA of Kebbi State, as well as Agwada Kokona LGA of Nasarawa State and Karara, Lokoja LGA, Kogi State by the Ministry, even as the Ministry commenced the implementation of a Bamboo development factory in Kogi State to promote Bamboo and Rattan Economy in Nigeria in line with the diversification drive of the Renewed Hope Administration.

    Feasibility studies for the development of Seven more Bamboo factories are ongoing in Ogun, Cross Rivers, Kaduna, Edo, Benue, Ekiti and Taraba States, with the Department of Forestry recently receiving and handing over eleven (11) 20-feet containers of logs (semi-processed wood) feet that were intercepted and confiscated by the Nigeria Customs Service.