The Nation Newspaper

Category: Niger Delta

  • Battle for Omoruyi’s estate gets messier

    Battle for Omoruyi’s estate gets messier

    If the late Prof Omo Omoruyi is looking down from heavens, he will surely be unimpressed that his family members and his children are fighting over his estate. The reading of his Will, rather than lay the debate over his last wishes to rest, has polarised his family and torn his children further apart, reports Osagie Otabor

    For the late former Director-General of the Centre for Democratic Studies (CDS), Prof Omo Omoruyi, it is yet to be a peaceful rest. Over three months after his death his children and family are still squabbling over his legacy and properties.

    Barely one week after Niger Delta Report told the tale of the bitter fight between his children, the head of the family, Owere Dickson Imasogie, said the late academic’s children were yet to perform the full funeral rites according to Bini tradition.

    The remains of the late Prof Omoruyi was buried in November last year at the family residence he inherited from his late father, but disagreement among his four children have ensured that the traditional rites are yet to be concluded.

    Prof. Omoruyi had four children; two sons, Osarenren and Karl, who were adopted from Guayana, a Caribbean country where his wife, Joan, hails and two daughters – Ivie and Amenze – which he had outside wedlock with a Bini woman.   There is a no-love lost relationship between the two sets of children.

    Our checks showed that his family members are divided, not only over whether the funeral rites have been performed or not, but which of the children to accept as legitimate members of the family.

    Those backing the two daughters reasoned that but for the girls, their late brother would have been taken for a eunuch and moreover the girls have their DNA irrespective of whether they were born outside wedlock.

    Other members are insisting that the mother of the girls was never married to Prof. Omoruyi and such only Joan should be recognised as the legitimate wife. They said Karl and Osarenren grew up with them, respect elders and truly manifest the character of their father.

    The contents of the will supposedly left by Prof. Omoruyi has further deepened the rift between the family members. Some family members claimed the will is authentic while others alleged that the it was manipulated by some interested parties to claim properties willed to his wife and adopted boys because they (wife and children) may not return to Nigeria.

    A cursory look at the Will showed that it was signed by late Omoruyi two weeks to his death and was registered on November 25, 2013, many days after the death of Prof. Omoruyi. Two witnesses to the will, Dr. Festus Imuetiyan and Nehikhare Iduozee were also beneficiaries apart from the children.

    The two witnesses got plots of land along Sapele road, cars and all personal effects including publications of Prof. Omoruyi. Other beneficiaries are his wife, children and nephew identified as Eddy.

    According to the Will in parts, Eddy got a building Omoruyi built for his mother, the daughters got a landed property acquired in 1977 and cash, his wife was said to own the building at GRA and his eldest son, Osarenren was given the building where Omoruyi was buried.

    Owere Imasogie told the Nation in an interview that the wife was yet to be questioned by the family on the issues late Omoruyi raised in his book, “My Journey back to Life”.

    Imasogie said late Omoruyi was only interred and yet to be given proper funeral rites according to the family pattern of burial in line with Bini custom.

    He said a committee was set-up for the burial of Prof. Omoruyi against the advice of Chief David Edebiri, the Esogban of Benin Kingdom that he (Imasogie) should preside over the family meetings before the burial.

    According to him, “I read through the Nation newspaper on the fight for Prof. Omo Omoruyi property. I am not aware that the family met to discuss. It is possible for some of his younger brothers to dialogue but that is not the view of the family.  Because of the controversy, they have only done the interment, the final burial ceremony has not been done.

    “I am the head of Imasogie/Omoruyi family and I am occupying the family house. During the burial preparation, I called Dr. Festus who is the son of a woman in the family that I will not want Prof. Omoruyi to be buried in the family compound because of the controversy. Dr. Festus is not supposed to be heard in this family matter because he is related through a woman.”

    On the Igiogbe given to Osarenren, Imasogie said the Igiogbe will not be given to somebody whose DNA does not correspond to the family. “It means he is an outsider. I am not quarreling with the adoption. If my cousin did not have children and he decided to adopt, fair, it is recognise. For a family property, an Igiogbe for that matter is for the family but held in trust by the first son.

    “As far as I am concern, Karl or Osarenren  adopted from Guayana cannot come and occupy a family property here. This we will leave to the court of law. They are trying to insult the Asuen family whose daughter gave birth to the two children we are now relying on. If the Asuen family has not given us their daughter maybe today, Prof. Omoruyi would have been taken for a eunuch. Happily before his death, he acknowledged those children.”

    “Here is a paper he disown his wife and the children. If you read My Journey back to Life, it will buttress his marriage to Joan. He told us in the book that he did not rely on Joan and that the marriage broke down. Those fighting for the Guayana people to inherit the property of my late cousin are doing it for their own interest because they know Joan and the boys will never come back. Osarenren who is supposed to be the first son has not been to Nigeria for the past 25 years.”

    “My brother told me he disown him and arrested him at the Heathrow Airport and (he) went back to the original parents. Karl is the child of the wife’s cousin. Those are things the law court will determine. If you were to be me, will you allow a foreigner to inherit the Igiogbe? They know what they collected from well-wishers for that burial. At the appropriate time, the family will ask them. We don’t drive people from the Igiogbe. That house belongs to Edo-Imasogie and the one I am staying. The first son is holding it in trust. The house is not Prof. Omoruyi’s. If he feels it is his, he cannot give it to a Guayana.

    “That question on whether an adopted son can perform a burial rite for the father, if it were to be a Bini and we know where he comes from, we can allow him. We don’t bury by proxy. Osarenren that is supposed to be the first son did not come. Karl only followed the mother here. If you read through My Journey Back to Life, the family has questions for the wife. We have not had the opportunity of asking. With all these writings and the letter, somebody is telling me they settled. We have a right to know what happened. This we have not done. We will ask these question during the final burial rites. The case is in the court. He admitted those two children are his sons and the two solid ones are the daughters.”

    Speaking on Prof. Omoruyi’s will, Imasogie who is one of those joined in the  suit challenging its authenticity, said somebody who would benefit from a will could never be a witness to the will.

    He said, “The will has defect. It was registered weeks after his death. I don’t know which lawyer filed it. Was it a dead person that spoke to the lawyer?  We don’t hear from the dead. Have you heard from the dead? I don’t know what will happen to that will. That is not the will of my cousin. It is the writings of interested parties.”

    Younger brother to late Omoruyi, Courage, said the daughters frowned at the committee set-up for their father’s burial and insisted that they have the money to bury their father.

    Courage said there was a deliberate attempt to exclude the two biological daughters from participating in the burial despite arguments that the status of the marriage with their mother should not be an issue for discussion since the girls have their DNA.

    According to him, “Imasogie is the current head of the Omoruyi family. This issue was dragged before the Esogban and he directed them to come to Imasogie for the burial plan. Along the line, a self-appointed burial committee emerged and an account was open for donation.  Dr. Festus Imuetiyan appointed Nosa Omoruyi to preside over the burial. The daughters frowned at the attitude of begging money to bury their father. The children said they have money to bury their father. Whatever was paid into the account was not disclosed.”

    Mr. Sunny Omoruyi however said they obeyed Omoruyi’s wish to be given a simple burial to be conducted by the Baptist Church where he (Omoruyi) was baptised.

    Sunny challenged the girls to show proof of their mother’s marriage to late Omoruyi and displayed documents showing financial commitment of the adopted sons towards the burial.

    He said Owere Imasogie was not the head of the family adding that the family already took a decision.

    ”Prof. said he should be buried in a Christian way. The family was present at the burial. I don’t know if there is other burial somebody else want to do. Professor has been buried.

    “Before his demise, he said he has four children. He mentioned it based on seniority category. The daughters came up that they don’t have brothers. After the Will was read, the girls went to Professor house and carted away properties including cars. Police is on their trail now. I don’t know the reason they vandalised the properties. These are children that their mother was not legally or traditionally married.”

    “I don’t know those saying they will not allow Osarenren to claim Igiogbe. They are not members of our family”, Sunny said, adding that the family’s decision is for the girls to accept the will.

    Meanwhile, the family has petitioned Commissioner of Police, Foluso Adebanjo on the properties of late Omoruyi allegedly carted away by the two girls.

     

     

  • Ex-militant urges investigation into amnesty fund disbursement

    Ex-militant urges investigation into amnesty fund disbursement

    The fates of some of the amnesty beneficiaries whose names are removed from the list of beneficiaries have re-opened debates on transparency in the handling of the N65,000 monthly payment to former armed youths in the Niger Delta region.

    Niger Delta Report gathered that there are discontentments within the rank and file of the former agitators, some of which are at daggers drawn with their ‘commander’ over the payments.

    Comrade Adaka Paul was one of those who got N65,000 monthly until June last year, when his name and those of other colleagues were yanked off the list. The young ex-fighter, who spoke with our reporter recently, said he went through the circle of the disarmament, rehabilitation and reintegration training for the ex-militants.

    On completion of the training, he was listed among those entitled to the ‘monthly stipend’ of N65,000 stipend, which disbursements are handled by several “commanders” and ‘leaders’ from various parts of the region.

    The ‘commanders’ are usually leaders of various groups during the violent Niger Delta struggle, while ‘leaders’ are nonviolent activists who are given the ‘contracts’ because of their contacts and connection.

    Adaka was on the payroll of his uncle, said to be an associate of Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa state. He was enjoying the uncle was brutally murdered along with his brother in May 2013.

    “Since then we have not been paid. We have tried to find out why our allowance was stopped since last year, but there has been no answer,” Adaka told Niger Delta Report.

    Beyond the grief of losing an uncle and a regular ‘salary’, the aggrieved ex-militant said his case and those of his colleagues whose payment have been stopped expose the fraud in the amnesty programme.

    Adaka further disclosed that he and over nine of his relatives were victims of this short-change. “Since my Uncle who worked with Governor Dickson Seriake, and his brother were shot dead, they stopped our payment.”

    “We want to know what has been happening to our payment since June 2013. Who has been collecting these monies? Where has it been going and how many such monies are going unaccounte for regularly?” he queried.

    He urged the Federal Government to investigate the amnesty programme, alleging of shady deals between the administrators of the fund, bank officials and some members of the amnesty committee.

    Adaka alleged that “there are lots of irregularities and shoddy deals as regard funds meant for duly registered youths in the federal government disbursement programme.”

    He explained that they decided to make the call for the investigation of the Kingsley Kuku-led amnesty programme after many of their payments were stopped without due course, adding that apart from few of them, many others are being short-changed by the board.

    He said all the ex-militants wanted were the regular payment of their money, as they do not want to return to the creeks.

    “The government should know that the entire fund meant for the payment of duly registered ex-militants is not being utilized for the purpose of its allocation, and that there are several other victims, who do not know how to go about this situation.”

    He finally urged the investigation to include leaders of various camp heads of the amnesty programme and banks involved in the payment.

     

  • Cross River community set for showdown with NYSC

    Cross River community set for showdown with NYSC

    All seems set for a showdown between the youths of Ogada community in Obubra Local Government Area of Cross River State and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), whose orientation camp is located in the community.

    Their grievance is that in the 21 years of existence of the camp within their domain, they have had nothing to show for it in terms of social amenity of employment of their people.

    The youths from the area have therefore given the Federal Government an ultimatum to do something about the situation else there will be a confrontation.

    President of the Ogada Youth Development Association, Mr Obasse Ebenezer, sad, “This must be done before the next call up for orientation to avoid youth confrontation. Our quietness for 21 years in the face of obvious provocation should not be interpreted as weakness.”

    Ebenezer told Niger Delta Report in Calabar, “While we appreciate the Federal Government gesture for citing the NYSC permanent orientation in our community, we wish to categorically state that for the past 21 years of its existence in Ogada, Obubra Local Government Area of Cross River State, we the members of the host community have nothing to show in terms of employment as we cannot boast of a single permanent staff or social amenity.

    “Several appeals in letters from the Ogada community routed through the state to the Director General NYSC Abuja in demanding a quota for employment of our unemployed youths to compensate for the lost land given to the Federal Government without financial consideration fell on deaf ears.

    “In February 2012, the youths the Ogada Community had moved to barricade the road to the camp in protest for marginalization. The then Obubra chairman, Christopher Obasse and the Cross River NYSC Coordinator, Engr Ekereke Ibanga, advised the youths to shun the idea of blocking the road but rate her wait until embargo for employment is lifted. The NYSC state coordinator had earlier promised the youths during a meeting in his office in Calabar following an express demand for our fair share that the scheme will consider members of the host community as officers of the junior cadre as soon as approval is given for employment. He further advised the youths of graduate cadre to apply to the headquarters in Abuja, but none of such applications saw the light of day.

    “It is a sad story upon the lifting of embargo for employment we discovered that employment for junior cadre was concluded without any chance given to the host community. Regrettably some members of the host community who applied for employment in the graduate cadre were all swept under the carpet.

    “As peace loving and law abiding citizens, we the youths in consultation with opinion leaders of Ogada community has resolved that the Federal Government through the CG of NYSC should as a matter of urgency reach an agreement with the community over a certain quota of employments of our youths to compensate for the lost land which was given to the FG willingly by our people without financial consideration.”

    State coordinator of the NYSC, Ekereke Ibangha, said it was not his place to employ people.

    According to him, he had been confronted by the people over the issues when he first took over and he advised that they do a special letter to the headquarters to look into their matter since the camp was in their domain.

    “Most of what the people are demanding is beyond me. All I can say is that we always do the best that we can. When the orientation camp is open the people of the area still benefit as they do business there even though temporarily.”

    “I did a covering letter with the one they sent and they should be hopeful something would come out of it.”

     

  • Dickson… Talk na do governor

    Dickson… Talk na do governor

    What does Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson have up his sleeves? Dickson has asked his critics to wait till February 14 to see the manifestation of his nickname, “Talk na do governor”, writes Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

    Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson believes his critics should pause and listen. “Come to Bayelsa and see my magic touch”, he seems to be telling them. The governor took over the reign on Valentine’s Day of 2012. Then, the state wore insecurity as a daily toga. Cultists, unrepentant militants, armed robbers overran the state and created panic among the residents especially those who lived in Yenagoa, the state capital. Like a plane, nightlife flew out of the state. People were cut down in their primes by dare-devil gunmen who operated with impunity.

    Investors, construction giants, such as lJulius Berger and SETRACO, left the state in a hurry. Most of the high-profile events that were supposed to be hosted in the state were diverted to neighbouring states. No day passed by without reports of killings in the state of President Goodluck Jonathan.

    But Dickson can now beat his chest and tell his critics that security has returned to the state, especially the capital city. He can boldly roll out his massive investment in the sector. Security infrastructure, digital hardwares and his uncommon commitment in the sector had pulled Julius Berger, SETRACO and other construction firms back to the state.

    He can direct his critics’ minds to the hosting of the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (MBGN) beauty pageant, 38 damsels in Centenary Pageant, African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), International Jazz Festival and World Tourism Day as eloquent testimonies of pervasive security in the state.

    Besides, he told his detractors that Yenagoa for the first time accommodated over 70 international experts who assembled at the Ijaw House for the first Underwater Conference organised in Africa by the United Nations, Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).

    It was with pride that Dickson boasted to the Zonal Commandant, Zone G, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Assistant Commandant-General Joseph Oragande, who paid him a courtesy visit at Government House, Yenagoa, last year that Bayelsa was the safest state.

    He said: “I like to thank you for what your men are doing. Going forward and working together with all other agencies, Bayelsa will even be safer as we move on. As our security plans and activities take more root and people get better sensitised on what we are doing, particularly about their role in working with security agencies, this place will even be much more secure than it is.

    “This government has a zero tolerance approach to criminality, brigandage and violence and we are very happy with the cooperation and hard work that all security agencies have made available at the service of our state and country.”

    The Assistant Inspector-General (AIG) of police,in charge of Zone 5 command, Hashimu Argungu, also agreed with the governor. During one of his visits to the state, he declared Bayelsa as the safest state in the zone. The zone comprises Delta, Edo and Bayelsa.

    Dickson’s state’s security outfit, Operation Door-Akpo, had also received kudos for its approach in fighting crimes in the state. The efforts of the outfit compelled the Security Watch Africa in South Africa to confer on Dickson the award of the Best Security Governor in West Africa.

    Like him or hate him, many residents of the state are commending the governor’s stride in security. They believe that though some incidents of kidnapping and killings still occur, they are indications that even in the most developed countries crimes cannot be totally eradicated.

    A human rights activist and former Secretary, Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO), Mr. Alagoa Morris, in his open letter to the governor praised the security situation in the state. He condemned the human rights abuses and extra-judicial killings prevalent in the state during the reign of the proscribed Operation Famou Tangbei.

    He said: “Compared to past administrations; the security arrangement currently in place is better, even though there may be room for improvement. Apart from direct observations; from the pulse of fellow Bayelsans, information about the exploits of Operation Doo Akpo is felt; especially in the areas of swift response to distress calls and Human Rights related issues.

    “And, although the current security outfit is a great improvement when compared to Operation Famou Tamgbe; that wicked, lawless and violent security outfit put in place by the immediate past administration. And, as a group; the Civil Liberties Organisation spoke out against the condemnable Human Rights violations committed by Operation Famou Tangbe.

    “Operation Famou Tangbe had a torture chamber where cases of attempted rape of victims, torture, intimidation and extortion were perpetrated.

    “This was beside the molestation of members of the public, jumping into minor family affairs and carrying out extra-judicial killings. I hope, even though little or no such complains have reached the Human Rights community; that such unlawful acts are not being perpetrated within the office area of Operation Doo Akpo, the new security outfit established by your administration.

    But he advised: “Your Excellency should ensure that, not only the Rule of Law is upheld; the fundamental rights of citizens should be protected. In this connection, it would be pertinent not to keep accused in the custody of Operation Doo Akpo for more than the initial hours of arrest and documentation.

    “All arrested persons should be handed over to the regular police stations after documentations for proper investigation of alleged offences/crimes and prosecute them in courts of competent jurisdiction.

    “For, during the reign of Operation Famou Tamgbe, night life in Yenagoa was restricted and Bayelsans moved about with fear at all times of the day. I am happy that, even though I am not a night person, members of the public are enjoying night life in Yenagoa now without the usual molestation/harassment, arrest and detention associated with Operation Famou Tamgbe.”

    Besides Morris, others who spoke to the Niger Delta Reports on the streets of Yenagoa scored Dickson very high on security. A petty trader on Imgbi Road who identified herself as Patience said her business had improved greatly.

    “I am a recharge card and orange seller. I recalled how bad boys used to deal with me before this government came. On three occasions, they came to where I was selling my goods, showed me gun and forced me to give them all my money.

    “After the third time, l learnt to close before 7pm. But now, I have never experienced such things. No more gunshots. No more harassment. I can now do business without fears. I can stay till any time l like before closing. Who said it would not be better for Dickson? That person should examine his head. He has tried in security.”

    Also, a non-indigene of the state, who identified himself as Julius Abayomi, said for the first time he could sleep with his eyes closed. “We have never had it this good in terms of security. There used to be war in Bayelsa and people used to call me to ask me to come home.

    “But those who used to call me to come back home have been visiting in in the state. Dickson has done well in security and we should encourage him to do better”, he said.

    On the disturbances in waterways following reports of kidnapping and attacks on vessels by pirates, Dickson said he had mapped out a strategy to end it. His Security Adviser, Col. Benard Kennebai (retd) said the days of waterways criminals were numbered.

    He said: “We are ensuring that things are ready for us to launch fully into the waterways. Soon, the criminality in the waterways will be brought to a standstill. I can guarantee you that.”

     

  • Glitz, glamour as top artistes thrill Edo youths

    Glitz, glamour as top artistes thrill Edo youths

    It was a dazzling night at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Edo State on Saturday, January 18, 2014 as a high-calibre Live musical concert was held to thrill the thousands of youths who thronged the place to listen to and get close to their music idols who were in their elements to make the night an interesting one to remember.

    The Live Concert, was the highpoint of a Youth Summit held earlier in the day to ginger youths of Edo State and indeed Nigeria on the need to rise up to the challenges of nurturing an assured future and developing their potentials in a country with growing apprehension and developmental inertia.

    The Youth Summit, with theme: “Nigeria’s Centenary: Defining the Issues and Setting Agenda for the Future of Our Youths” had featured inspirational talks from the host Governor, Comrade Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole; Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola; Human Rights Activist, Joe Okei-Odumakin; Human Rights Lawyer, Festus Keyamo; Motivational Speaker, Toyosi Akerele, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Abdulwaheed Omar who was represented by Alhaji Kiri Mohammed and former President of the Trade Union Congress, Comrade Peter Esele.

    After the Summit at the Imaguero College Hall, the youths thronged the ‘Ogbe’ stadium in the evening for an all-night concert to wind down and they were not disappointed as they were thrilled by the best of the best artistes in the Nigerian entertainment industry.

    Some of the top artistes who thrilled the youths at the Concert include Timaya, Sleazzy E, Terry G, Wande Cole, HarrySong & KCee, Sound Sultan, Banky W, Basket Mouth, WizKid, Buchi, I go Dye, I Go Save, Eso, Klint Da Drunk, Edo Boy, Sir Victor Uwaifo, Osayomore Joseph, Franchise, Eedris Abdulkareem, among others.

    Governor Adams Oshiomhole who was given an award on the occasion by the Concerned Entertainers of Edo State for bringing the state back from the abyss and returning night life and tourism to the state said the Youth Summit and Concert were put together to return the peoples faith in the country.

    He said: “I promise to create an opportunity for our youths to realize their potentials. For me, the future begins today and that future belongs to all of you, you must have faith in your country.”

    The Concert was graced by eminent Nigerians including Senator Domingo Obende, Deputy Governor, Dr Pius Odubu, Barrister Mike Ozekhome (SAN), Hon Samson Osagie and Rasaq Bello-Osagie, both of the House of Representatives; Prof Pat Utomi, Barrister Festus keyamo, Comrade Issa Aremu, Miss Toyosi Akerele, Comrade Peter Esele and members of the state executive council.

  • Stand against impunity, injustice, says Rivers commissioner

    The Rivers State Commissioner for Local Government Affairs Hon. Samuel Eyiba, has advised the people of the state, especially the youths, to stand up against impunity and injustice to avert the ugly incidents that characterised 2013 in the state.

    He said the recent shooting of Senator Abe at the rally organised by Save Rivers Movement (SRM) in Obio/Akpor Local government Area of Rivers State was a clear violations of his fundamental human rights and excessive use of firearms.

    He said in 2013 Rivers people witnessed a high level impunity, injustice and inhumanity, adding that the people must be prepared to reject any form of evil in the state.

    Hon. Eyiba said Rivers people have condemned police actions in Rivers State and must do anything possible to protect their rights.

    “Look at what is happening this year, at the beginning of this year when Rivers people should be thanking God for keeping them alive they are now witnessing the highest level of impunity. That is why we should not allow it to happen again this year. We must be ready and willing to support good leadership and to fight against impunity in the state.

    “We had hoped that politics in this dispensation will be played with civility, decency and devoid of political violence. The current level of political intolerance in the country and in Rivers State in particular is deeply troubling and condemnable. In the present circumstances, I consider the action of the police as unprofessional, insensitive and an unfortunate demonstration of the growing regime of impunity in the country which we must all rise up to tame if democracy must survive. We therefore demand that the Inspector General of Police and the Federal Government should urgently conduct comprehensive investigation into the incident with a view of bringing the perpetrators to justice.”

    He noted that those who are fighting Governor Chibuike Amaechi will not defeat him because Rivers people have realized that Governor Amaechi is driven by purposeful leadership qualities.

    He said the administration of Governor Chibuike Amaechi has offered people an opportunity to be great and self-reliance in life.

    “This is a man that God has destined to change Rivers State for good. Children who were seating on the floor to learn are today enjoying the best model school equipped with ICT facilities. This is a state that before now when it 5pm residents will locked themselves inside because of cult related activities which of course took over Rivers State but today you can walk on the street of Port Harcourt any time of the night without unnecessary harassment.

    “This is a state that youths who came from poor background beg for scholarship because the elites have diverted the opportunity to their children and relatives but today thousands of youths are beneficiaries of Rivers State scholarship. The important part of this scholarship is that some of these youths are people whose parents cannot afford to send to university in our own country but today they are studying abroad while many of them have graduated already.

  • PH Refinery trains Eleme, Okrika youths to acquire skills

    The management of the Port Harcourt Refining Company Limited (PHRC), Port Harcourt, Rivers State has initiated an empowerment scheme for youths from Eleme, Okrika Local Government Area of the state as part of efforts to make the youths self-reliant.

    The empowerment scheme, which involves skill training and capacity building, is being done through the company’s Youths Empowerment and Skills Acquisition Programme (YESAP).

    Speaking during the official flag-off of the programme at the company’s premises, the Managing Director of the PHRC, Mr. Ian Udoh, said the scheme was part of the corporate social responsibilities of the company to its host communities.

    Udoh advised the beneficiaries to make good use of the opportunity so that they would be relevant in the economic growth of their communities and the state as skills acquisition is a critical component of economic development.

    The objectives of the programme, the PHRC boss said, is to increase opportunities for wealth creation, economic empowerment and reduction of unemployment as well as to improve human capacity for sustainable development.

    He also assured that the trained youths would receive starter packs from the company at the end of their training.

    Also speaking, the Ag Executive Director, (Services) of the company, Sir Ralph Ugwu, said the youths would receive training in specific skills like: welding and fabrication, carpentry and woodwork, plumbing and pipe fitting, plaster of Paris (POP), fashion designing, GSM repairs, catering, poultry and fisheries production among others.

    He also pointed out that youth empowerment and skills acquisition programmes are some of the various social investments within the host communities of Eleme and Okrika, aimed at addressing issues of youth unemployment and its attendant negative consequences.

    Speaking at the event, the Paramount Ruler of Alesa Eleme, HRH Emperor Nkpe, thanked the company for the opportunities provided for the youths.

    The royal father who was represented by Chief Benson Dibia from his domain charged the company to build stronger ties with its host communities in order to achieve sustainable development.

    Some of the beneficiaries who spoke with Niger Delta Report, expressed appreciation to the company for the gesture, assuring that they would make judicious use of the opportunities given to them.

  • Rumpus in Federal University Otuoke

    Rumpus in Federal University Otuoke

    In their various sizes and colours, they marched with venom round Otuoke, the hometown of President Goodluck Jonathan in Ogbia Local Government Area, Bayelsa State. Without bringing down the roofs or stoning the louvres, the students of the Federal University, Otuoke, paralysed the activities of the university which is tucked into Jonathan’s small community.

    Though a far cry to the population of known institutions, the voices of the students unsettled the community. They marched through Patience Jonathan’s hotel, directly opposite the entrance of the university.

    They defied the presence of armed soldiers and an Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) permanently stationed to guard the hotel which now acts as a resident to the first family with its premises boasting a good number of edifices.

    The students were indeed ready for their Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Mobolaji Aluko. “We no go gree”, they insisted. They called Aluko many names. Some referred to him as a diasporian VC. Others said he had American orientation and was not suitable to run the institution.

    Still, some claimed that he was running the institution like a private university and cynically demanded that the name of the university should be changed to Aluko Private University.

    It sounded funny but the students meant business. Clad in different casual attire, they sang and advanced towards the gate of the administrative blocks. They soon barricaded the gate, stridently chanted their songs to attract the attention of the school authority. Disturbed by the development, senior officials of the school including the registrar came out.

    But they could not pacify the students. What were their grouses.

    “We want the school fees to be reduced to the lowest according to the students of other universities. They are paying N35,000 for second year, first and second semester. How can we be paying N80,000. The price is too high we can’t pay it.

    “We are not going for a six-month holiday. We want the educational calendar to keep running the way it is. This is to enable us go to year two. Since 2012, we have been in year.

    “We don’t have the Student Union Government. They refuse to allow us have SUG so that we won’t have mount in the school. How can we remain in year one for three years? It is unheard of. We didn’t go for ASUU strike yet we are still in year one” a female student who refused to mention her name for fear of victimisation said.

    A male student also said: “Go to the school n Lokoja established the same time with Otuoke, the students are paying N14,500. Even go to the University of Nigeria (UNN), Nsukka, the students are paying N30,000, N40,000 and N50,000 according to their departments. But when you come down to our school, it is very high, it is either N80,000 or N90,000.

    “The VC came to class to tell us that we should cater for ourselves. He said we should not always depend on our parents. But if he wants us to cater for ourselves, why will he increase the school fees to that rate? It is outrageous.

    “He also told us that education is not for the poor. If you don’t have money, stay in your house. We are in Nigeria where things are very high. We are in President Goodluck Jonathan’s village but the school fees is very high.”

    Still, another female student complained: “We stayed nine months before resuming. But now they are asking us to stay extra six months. We gained admission since 2014, bit we are still in year one.

    “They want us to go for another six months after the break. Some of us cater for ourselves and this town is very expensive. There is no accommodation.

    “Currently, seven and sometimes eight students occupy one room. Since September last year, there hasn’t been light in this community. We read without light and water and it affected us in our last examination. Even the libraries are not well-equipped.”

    The complaints continued: “We are not happy. The VC came and told us that he had increased the school fees. We first saw it online. But he came personally to announce it to us.

    “We are kicking agains it because other federal schools pay lower than us. We are here paying like private universities. It is not done that way. He said we should pay N90,000 for science students while art students should pay N82,000.

    “It is too expensive. He said we should go and make money ourselves. We don’t know what he wants us to do. May be he wants the boys to become armed robbers and the females to become prostitutes.

    “He said he wants to merge us. We are 2012 set, but we are still in year one. There is no light. We are eight person per room. This place is not conducive for somebody to stay. He should reduce the fees and make the environment conducive for us to learn”.

    In fact, the students in unison questioned the leadership style of Aluko, accused the management of insensitivity, queried the preparedness of the school and lamented the study environment of President Jonathan’s town.

    But Aluko faulted the claims of the students and said they were economical with the truth. There has been no increase in fees as alleged. The schedule of fees currently paid by ALL students was published on the University Website (http://www.fuotuoke.edu.ng/) and communicated to students over ten months ago”, he said.

    He further explained: “After operational experience with Pioneer (First Set of) students whose total fees (including accommodation) was N45,000, the university has separated accommodation fees from other fees, and made a distinction in fees between science/engineering students and non-science students. This is standard practice in all universities worldwide.

    “First-time-in-College (Freshman) fees include N18,000 of Acceptance Fee (N15,000), ID card (N1,000) and certificate verification (N2,000) charges which are paid only once in a student’s university life-time, and are not paid by returning students.

    “Consequently, after the first year, the differential fee between Pioneer and Non-Pioneer students in the same course is N4,000. These fees will remain as published for the foreseeable future.”

    On lack of water and electricity, he said: “The University is completely committed to providing university-subsidized accommodation to as many students as possible, particularly Fresh students. This accommodation is a privilege, not a right. Currently, all five but one of our hostels are rented at high rate.

    “Provision of comfortable learning and bed spaces, and of reliable and adequate electricity and water in our lecture halls and hostel, is our goal. While quite challenging, the university will continue to strive to improve upon the current situation.

    “The University currently runs six diesel generators (of a total of 800 KVA), and two more are upcoming to bring the total to 1000 KVA (1 MW). The prohibitive cost of diesel makes it incumbent to ration electricity supply.

    “We are committed to providing electricity in academic areas during week-day from 8 am to 8pm, and in hostels from 8 am – 10 am, and 4pm – 8pm seven days a week. Until municipal (non-generator) electricity becomes available and reliable in Otuoke and the university environs, we can do no more.

    “We forbid cooking in hostels due to insurance and sanitation concerns. Catering services (upon payment by students) have been contracted out. Students who insist on cooking are welcome to find alternative non-university accommodation”.

    He, however, described as a rumour the claims by the 2012 set of the students that they had been asked to embark on a six-month holiday. He acknowledged that there was a national mandate to regularise the university calendar which might lead to merger of schools.

    He said: “Any information that students have about the merger of two sets (2nd and 3rd Sets) into one is at this time a rumor, a notion frowned upon seriously in Bayelsa State Government officialdom.

    “Nevertheless, there is a national mandate to regularise university calendar as soon as possible, so that it runs Sept/October to June/July, in order to make room for July to September Summer period for Lecturers’ research and rejuvenation, and student internships.

    “This is according to global practice. Plans to ensure this regularisation are being worked out, and any information about any commitment to a particular new calendar is premature.”

    He warned: Until you have matriculated, you are not a student of this University. That requires that new students must be cleared, registered and must pay their fees at the earliest possible time before they assume university residency and participate extensively in university student activities.

    “Returning students are also urged to pay their fees and charges speedily, but classes will not be prevented until three months into the first semester, during which time instalmental fee payment is permitted. Opportunities to apply for and receive scholarships should be taken advantage of.

    “I wish to express my profound appreciation to all of those students who have behaved responsibly and eschewed any aggressive behavior or violence. Any thuggish behavior, donning of cult-like attire or face painting is un-FUO-student-like.”

  • Ijaw Christians pray for Jonathan

    Christians of Ijaw extraction in the Niger Delta region under the auspices of Izon Christian Fellowship (ICF), last weekend held the 17th edition of the Izon Day of Prayers, Praises and a special thanksgiving.

    The annual event, which was held at the BB Hotels Warri, was used by the attendees to pray to God for protection and the security of President Goodluck Jonathan, the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large.

    In his welcome speech, the Chief Host, Rev. Emmanuel Imeleye, who is a Senior Pastor of the “Citadel of His Power” branch of the Foursquare Gospel Church, described the emergence of an Ijaw (Izon) indigene in President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan as the Commander in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as the handiwork of God Almighty.

    Imeleye recalled that long ago, there was a vision for the Ijaw Nation that one of its sons would rise to become the President of the country, adding that the election of President Jonathan was the fulfillment of the prophesy.

    He cautioned opponents of the president that nobody can stop the power of God, remarking that the Jesus rose from little Bethlehem to become the Saviour of the world was a proof of the power of God and his ability to choose whomever he wishes to do his works.

    Imeleye described President Goodluck Jonathan as Nigeria’s ‘good luck’ and a man sent by God to redeem Nigeria from maladministration and rescue it from the brinks.

    In his address, Rev. Dr. Ikem C. Tolar, the founder and grand Patron of ICF, described the 17th edition of Izon Day of Praises, Prayers and Thanksgiving as a unique one and gloriously. He expressed joy over the massive attendance by Ijaws at this year’s edition, describing the turn out as encouraging when compared to past years.

    Rev Tolar, a former Chairman of the board of Egbema/Gbaramatu Communities Development Council, explained that the program is always held yearly to pray for the state, Niger Delta and Nigeria and to thank God for sustaining the people of the Niger Delta.

    He said, “We pray for the nation, especially our own son who is the head of the country Nigeria, President Goodluck Jonathan, for God to guide him always and give him wisdom to pilot his administration and to shaping Nigeria.

    “We are calling on all Nigerians who are one way and the other fighting against the administration of Mr. President to stop fighting him and urge them to join him to build and develop the country,” he added.

    Rev Tolar warned those who are behind the recurrent bomb blasts to repent from the evil acts to avert impending God’s judgment upon them.

    Guest speaker, Rev. Benson German tasked youths to eschew violent, kidnapping, killing and murder against their fellow Christian, warning that their actions are against the ethics of God.

    Rev German advised Christians to look up to God in their endeavors, assuring that President Jonathan’s administration would bring positive changes that would benefit all Nigerians.

    The high point of the event was a special thanksgiving and prayer for Nigeria, Delta State, Niger-Delta, Izon Nation/Youth, churches, business, traditional rulers and communities.

    The event was attended by prominent Ijaw politicians, traditional rulers and community leaders including Senator James Manager, representing Delta South Senatorial District, HRM and HRH Joseph Ebenanaowei, Pere of Ogulagha kingdom and his counterparts from Isaba Kingdom, Dunukoromu.

    Others were the traditional rulers of Obotebe and Bisieni kingdoms, Pastor Anthony Doubra, the Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria, Warri South West Chapter and President Ijaw, Pastor Ministry Fellowship.

     

  • Foundation donates incubators to UCTH

    As part of its contribution to check incidences of infant mortality, the United Bank for Africa (UBA) Foundation has donated two infant incubators to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH).

    Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the foundation, Ijeoma Aso, said the gesture was part of their our strategy to give back to the community.

    She said, “We found out that teaching hospitals in the country are in need of incubators. UCTH Is one of 15 teaching hospitals we have selected to provide two incubators each to.

    “The idea is to help so that children of less privileged people can also have access to the equipment to save their lives.

    “We are also into education, environment, economic empowerment and special projects. The donation of these incubators falls into special projects.”

    Chief Medical Director, Dr Thomas Agan, who was elated by the donation, said the incubators were going to save lots of lives.

    He said, “To say I am elated is an understatement. I am not only happy that it is coming at this time but I extremely excited because this is something that will save so many lives. With this equipment alone you realize that so many lives will be saved. So I want to use this opportunity UBA foundation and the UBA in general for out of goodwill. I cannot quantify my joy.

    “There are so many babies that are delivered with challenges and majority of them need to be placed on incubator. If there is no incubator to manage a premature baby then certainly you are bound to lose that baby, so the incubators are badly needed. There are a lot of reasons why women deliver prematurely and when the babies are delivered they will have very bad post natal challenges. So we need to get special equipment like this that will maintain and sustain them.