The Nation Newspaper

Category: Niger Delta

  • Taiga, UPU Ireland donate relief materials to Okuama IDP camp

    Taiga, UPU Ireland donate relief materials to Okuama IDP camp

    As support continues to flow the way of ravaged Okuama community in Ewu-Urhobo Kingdom of Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, the immediate past President General of Urhobo Progress Union (UPU), Olorogun Moses Taiga and UPU Ireland have presented relief materials worth millions to the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camp.

    The donors said the gesture was to support efforts of the Delta State Government in bringing succour to the IDPs and the entire Okuama community in their difficult moments.

    Okuama indigenes have been homeless since March 2024 after soldiers of the Nigerian military carried out a reprisal attack on the community following the gruesome murder of 17 military personnel by unknown gunmen around the community.

    The military during the attack destroyed every building, including hospital, schools and other private buildings in the once-bubbling agrarian community leaving thousands of residents homeless.

    Following the incident, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori established an IDP camp to temporarily house the displaced Okuama residents pending the rebuilding of the town.

    Olorogun Taiga and UPU Ireland made the donations at two separate ceremonies on Friday at the IDP Camp in Ewu town in Ughelli South LGA.

    Presenting the food items including a live cow, bags of rice and others to the chairman and officials of the IDP Management Committee, Olorogun Taiga commended Governor Oborevwori and private individuals for providing support to the people of Okuama.

    The Urhobo leader, who was represented by his Personal Assistant, Chief Kenneth Young, said he stands in solidarity with the people of Okuama community in this difficult period of their lives.

    He commended efforts of Urhobo traditional rulers council, UPU, NGOs and other individuals for providing support for the people of Okuama community.

    Olorogun Taiga said: “First, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to our Governor, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Elder Sheriff F.O. Oborevwori, for his decisive and compassionate leadership in establishing this humanitarian camp here in Ewu Town.

    ” In the darkest hours, when the people of Okuama were in desperate need of refuge, your swift action provided them with a haven, restoring hope amidst their despair. We are also encouraged by the news that the State Government has begun the rebuilding of Okuama, starting with the construction of a health centre and a classroom block. Your Excellency, for this and more, we are deeply grateful.

    “Indeed, our people are deeply rooted in their ancestral lands, not in camps. It is my fervent hope, bolstered by the assured and practical commitment of His Excellency, the Governor that our Okuama brethren will soon return to their homes, where they belong.

    “I also want to acknowledge the Ukoko R’Ivie R’Urhobo, the Urhobo Council of Traditional Rulers,  Your Majesties, your unwavering solidarity with the people of Okuama is a powerful testament to our unity as Urhobos. Your continued support underscores the truth that when one of us is in pain, we all feel it. Ejuwe,  we thank you all for standing by our people during this challenging time.”

    The billionaire businessman further commended the Chairman of the IDP Management Committee, Mr. Abraham Ogbodo and his team for the excellent job they are doing at the Camp.

    “However, the road to recovery is still long, and we urge everyone to continue giving and supporting until our people can return home and rebuild their lives.To the resilient people of Okuama, your strength and courage in the face of such adversity are truly inspiring. You have endured so much, but please know that you are not alone. 

    “We stand with you, and we will continue to support you until you can return to your ancestral homeland.I must also extend a special thank you to the Ewu-Okuama Internally Displaced Persons Management Committee, led so capably by Mr. Abraham Ogbodo, former Editor of The Guardian newspaper, and the officials of this camp. The efforts made towards the well-being of the displaced are greatly appreciated. Your work reflects the highest ideals of patriotism and compassion.

    Read Also: First Lady Tinubu hails education as key to Africa’s development

    “Lastly, I want to express my gratitude to the media for their crucial role in highlighting the Okuama situation. Your coverage has been instrumental in bringing attention to the plight of the Okuama people and in rallying much-needed support. As we look ahead, let us all hold onto hope that the people of Okuama will soon return to their ancestral homes, rebuild their community, and restore their lives to normalcy”, Olorogun Taiga added.

    The Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) Ireland Branch, also donated relief materials to the Ewu-Okuama IDP Camp for the feeding of the displaced persons.

    Among the items donated by the UPU Ireland include bags of rice, bags of beans, cartons of fish, gallons of groundnut and red oil, bags of garri and 50 tubers of yam.

    President of UPU Ireland, Chief Richard Iyede, Ph.D, told the camp officials and the IDPs that Urhobos in Ireland are greatly pained by the plight of Okuama people and had decided to donate the food items to help alleviate their sufferings.

    Represented by Mr. Henry Obus, Chief Iyede said “these items are from UPU Ireland. We came together to donate these relief materials to alleviate the suffering of Okuama people. He asked me to tell you that Urhobos in Ireland are solidly with you. We’ll continue to support you.”

    Receiving the relief materials, the Chairman of the IDP Management Committee, Mr. Abraham Ogbodo, flanked by other officials of the camp, thanked Olorogun Moses Taiga and the Chief Richard Iyede-led UPU Ireland for their donations to the Camp.

    Ogbodo, a former Editor of the Guardian Newspaper, noted that “The Ewu-Okuama IDP Management Committee wishes to sincerely thank and appreciate our father and leader, Olorogun Moses Taiga, for this generous donation. We are also grateful to the UPU Ireland under the leadership of Chief Richard Iyede for sending food items all the way from Ireland. This is very commendable by our brothers and sisters in Ireland.

    “As I have always said, the IDP Camp is one of the steps towards resettling Okuama people. The second step is the restoration of the community and the resettling of the IDPs in their ancestral homeland. This is currently on course. 

    “The Delta State government is taking the right step in plight of our people. I commend Governor Oborevwori for his proactive support to the people of Okuama.”

  • Edo 2024: PDP’s Ighodalo has capacity to govern successfully, says Nwaokobia

    Edo 2024: PDP’s Ighodalo has capacity to govern successfully, says Nwaokobia

    As the 2024 Edo State governorship election draws near, Prof. Chris Mustapha Nwaokobia Jnr., convener of the Country First Movement, has shared his perspective on the candidates, characterizing the race as both fascinating and predictable.

    Nwaokobia, a vocal advocate for good governance, emphasized the distinct nature of the upcoming election, suggesting it presents a clear choice for the Edo electorate.

    Nwaokobia pointed out that the 2024 governorship race in Edo State centers around three main candidates: Senator Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP), and Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    He argued that, given the candidates’ unique qualities, the election is likely to be one of the most straightforward in the state’s recent history.

    Nwaokobia singled out Asue Ighodalo, the PDP candidate, as the most qualified and capable contender. He praised Ighodalo’s comprehensive manifesto, “Prosperity for All,” which details his vision and policies for the future of Edo State.

    Nwaokobia commended Ighodalo’s extensive consultations with Edo residents, both at home and abroad, and his commitment to bringing unity and prosperity to the state.

    He further emphasized Ighodalo’s impressive track record, noting his experience as chairman of several blue-chip companies and a successful law firm.

    Read Also: Edo 2024: Appeal Court’s CTC judgment affirms Ighodalo as PDP’s candidate

    Nwaokobia urged Edo voters to carefully consider Ighodalo’s qualifications and vision for the state, expressing confidence that Ighodalo’s candidacy meets the demands for justice, equity, and fairness in Edo, making him the most credible and capable candidate in the race.

    He said: “The choice of the Edo People is Astute Asue Ighodalo, fondly called A.I not the now famous Artificial Intelligence but called by his initials. He was the first of the leading three candidates to present his manifesto called prosperity for all to the Edo Electorate. In it, he set out his vision for an Edo State that works for all. He articulated his programs, policies and programmatic, and tells how he intends to achieve them.

    “He has consulted with the largest number of Edolites at home and in the Diaspora knowing that the challenge before the Edo People and the State is about forging a united Edo that works for the good and benefit of all. He has pledged to bring his wealth of knowledge and experience to bear in taking Edo State to a new level of progress and prosperity. And he means every bit of it.”

  • Omonade empowers 1,150 market women, artisans with N23m cash grants in Ughelli North

    Omonade empowers 1,150 market women, artisans with N23m cash grants in Ughelli North

    The member representing Ughelli North Constituency 1 in Delta Assembly, Hon. Mathew Omonade, has launched a N23 million cash grant initiative to empower women and artisans in fulfillment of his campaign promises.

    The lawmaker kicked off the event in his Ovara-Umusu Orogun community within Ughelli North Local Government Area, explaining that the initiative is designed to give his constituents a sense of belonging as he represents them in the Delta State House of Assembly.

    Addressing journalists at the event, Omonade stated that his motivation for entering politics stemmed from a desire to give back to society. He said, “I had a successful career as a lawyer, and I was motivated by the fact that our people deserved quality representation.”

    “The essence of electing representatives is to entrust them with a position on behalf of the people. Once elected, it becomes a privilege granted by God to use that position judiciously for the benefit of the people.”

    “As an elected representative, my primary responsibility is to utilize every resource at my disposal to improve the lives of my people and meet their needs. I may not be able to do everything, but I believe that with this cash grant, after surveying and discovering that some people in the market have capital of less than N5,000 to N10,000, giving them N20,000 can significantly boost their livelihoods.”

    “And if I could do more, I would, but within the limits of my capabilities, I decided to reach out to my people. By the grace of God, I am satisfied, fulfilled, and elated.”

    “I could use this money to buy cars or travel abroad, but I believe leadership is about impacting the lives of your people. If we can do that, then there will be good governance in Nigeria.”

    “What we are doing here is not driven by politics but by a passion for humanity. I believe that the best religion in the world is not Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, or Buddhism, but humanity. That is what drives me, and it gives me great joy to put smiles on people’s faces, which is what motivated me today.”

    Commending Omonade’s initiative, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Christopher Obiuwevbi, praised the lawmaker for demonstrating that he has the people’s interests at heart. He added, “With what Mathew Omonade has done to ensure his people do not lack while he represents them, his constituents are pleased with this gesture.”

    The Chairman of the APC in Ughelli North, Hon. Obakpororo, also commended the initiative, stating, “This cash grant to traders and artisans was originally introduced by our leader, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, during the COVID-19 era, and Omonade was part of the team that managed those funds.”

    “Now that he is incorporating it into his political program, I think it’s a great idea because it’s good to follow what works. If you are delegated to carry out a task and find it worth incorporating into your system, it’s worth encouraging.”

    “We have had many representatives in the past, but none initiated such a move. A man who is doing the right thing should be encouraged and supported to do more,” the party chairman added.

    Several beneficiaries of the cash grant expressed joy and gratitude to the lawmaker for keeping his campaign promises.

     Mrs. Alice Akpore and Madame Ufuoma Okparaverho said, “Our honorable has boosted our businesses with this cash grant, and our joy knows no bounds. We assure him that we will use the funds wisely to grow our businesses, and we pray that God blesses him even more.”

  • Lucky Ohimai donates street lights to Edo community

    Lucky Ohimai donates street lights to Edo community

    High Chief Lucky Ohimai, CEO of Tarex Conglomerate, has illuminated Sabongida Ora, Owan West, Edo State, with the installation of industrial solar street lights.

    Ohimai restated his commitment to serving the people of Edo while emphasising that the Edo people deserve even more development and progress with the support of the governorship candidate of Edo state, Senator Monday Okpebholo.

    Read Also: Edo poll: Ighodalo, Akpata unfold agenda

    With the forthcoming election, High Chief Ohimai seized the opportunity to urge the people of Owan land to come out in mass to vote for Senator Monday Okpebholo, who he believes will attract more projects and bring unprecedented growth to the region.

    He passionately appealed to the people to make their voices heard by voting for Senator Okpebholo, the candidate who will bring about the desired change and take Owan land to the next level of development.

    He said: “Let us unite and make our voices count! Vote Senator Monday Okpebholo for Governor of Edo State!”

  • Int’l Youth Day: ‘How EdoInnovates is building global tech talent’

    Int’l Youth Day: ‘How EdoInnovates is building global tech talent’

    The executive director, EdoInnovates, Asemota Izoduwa, has spoken about the impact of the technology hub in the last seven years.

    He said that the hub has remained one of the most ambitious projects of the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration.

    He said EdoInnovates boasts of a talent pool of over 50,000 trainees since 2018 across various aspects of technology including software development, robotics, data science, artificial intelligence, User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) and product design, among others, Izoduwa added..

    According to him, “In Nigeria, when you think about tech talent, the temptation is to limit your gaze to Lagos with its thriving tech ecosystem and other institutional structures that prop technology innovation and talent development. However, the trend is shifting as new entrants such as Edo State are now showing promise and creating the right environment to nurture globally-relevant tech innovators.”

     Izoduwa said: ‘’Under  Obaseki, the state government sought a piece of the pie in Nigeria’s growing tech space, running with a vision to position the state to take advantage of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

    ‘’This led to the setting up of Edo Innovates, a technology hub located in the heart of Benin City that serves as a platform to nurture talents in technology innovation and build a thriving community of talents, start-ups and innovators. Initially an iteration of EdoJobs, a skills development agency of the government, EdoInnovates pivoted to become a platform for tech talent development, providing bespoke training in collaboration with global companies such as ALX, Udacity, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Decagon, among others.

     ‘’Today, EdoInnovates boasts of a talent pool of over 50,000 trainees since 2018 across various aspects of technology including software development, robotics, data science, artificial intelligence, User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) and product design, among others.

     “As we celebrate the International Youth Day today, we look back at the impact of EdoInnovates on youths in the State. It has been a thrilling journey with Edo Innovates so far.

    ‘’One thing that has stood us out over the last couple of years is our ability to turn out good quality talents that are globally competitive.

    ‘’Some of our trainees have gone to work for Microsoft while others have founded their own businesses. For us, EdoInnovates is a one-stop shop for all technology-enabled businesses in Nigeria. We have a world-class training faculty, co-working space, start-up incubation and funding support and lots more that stands us out. We have trained over 50,000 youths in EdoInnovates and they are ready for work.”

     ‘’He noted that EdoInnovates recently on-boarded 50 start-ups which were provided with funding and support from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and CcHub. Izoduwa added.

     “As we celebrate the International Youths Day, we are excited to have provided a new lease of life for youths in Edo State providing them with relevant skills and preparing them for the challenging world of work.”

     “One of the success stories of the EdoInnovates is Japhlet Nwamu, who is now a Developer Advocate with Microsoft. He had trained at EdoInnovates and worked with Coven Works out of the hub. After being trained, he ran Data Science and AI bootcamps, which built the capacity of over 250 participants to become Junior Data Analysts and Scientists.

    ‘’He also led an agile team that mentored over 600 secondary school students during Africa Code Week in 2018 and trained over 1500 in Edo State during Google’s CSFirst 2019.

    ‘’Another product of EdoInnovates is Co-Founder, Paywise, Kelvin Odionwe, who started his tech journey from the Edobits programme, an entry level training programme at the hub. He grew through the ranks and built his FinTech start-up out of the hub.

    Read Also: Int’l Youth Day: are we still leaders of tomorrow?

    ‘’He believes he would not have been in the tech scene if not for the support from EdoInnovates, noting that the guidance and capacity building opportunities were instrumental to his success as a founder. He adds that the hub also serves as a veritable source for talent as it trains young people in key tech disciplines for the global workplace.

     ‘’The partnerships lead, EdoInnovates, Efosa Iguodala, said that the hub has thrived on partnerships, noting that the youths in the state are able to acquire globally-relevant skills through an extensive partnerships network that includes ALX, Udacity, among others. 

    He said: “We have achieved a great deal working with local and international partners who have continued to deepen the talent at EdoInnovates.

    ‘’These partnerships have been beneficial because it has ensured that we train people who are able to stand shoulders high with their peers across the globe,”Izoduwa added.

  • Delta recorded least violence during protests, says Report

    Delta recorded least violence during protests, says Report

    A group, South-South Professional & Transparency Initiatives (SSPTI), has appraised the level of violence recorded across the country, especially in Niger Delta region during the #EndBadGovernance protests 

    It scored the Delta State Government and security agencies very high in ensuring maximum control of uprisings across the state.

    The body applauded the pro-activeness of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori in protest boycott campaigns to various communities prior to the August 1 date and the professionalism exhibited by security agencies, mostly Delta Police Command led by CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, in curtailing the excesses of the protesters.

    Making its assessment on the nationwide protests in a statement in Warri, SSPTI hinted that compare to other states, mostly in the Northern region, where protesters were seen to be violent and destructive, Delta state recorded zero destruction of property and minimal violence in some part of the state.

    The body in a statement by Dr. Ugochukwu Alozie and Engr. Kayode Ayomide, Chairman and Secretary respectively, also commended the men and officers of the various military formations in the state, especially the troops of 63 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Asaba, as well as men and officers of 3Battalion, Effurun barracks near Warri, for providing maximum security at strategic locations in the state.

    According to the statement; “Just as the dust of the recent nationwide protests settled, We, the members of the above named organization have taken it upon ourselves to do a general appraisal of the violence that characterized the protests with a view of determining how best to have a violent-free protests in the country going forward “.

    “Having observed that Delta state is one of the states that recorded an insignificant level of violence during the 10-Day period of the protests, especially within the South-South region, we decided to conduct a research on how the state was able to curtail the protests from being violent as we have experienced in other states, particularly in the North.

    “Our research revealed that the State Governor, Rt.Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, had engaged the traditional rulers across the three (3) Senatorial districts, as well as the various community and youth leaders in a boycott sensitization campaigns of the protest and the need to be very peaceful even if they must embark on any at all in their areas. 

    “We also observed the zeal and commitment with which the operatives of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) under Delta state Command, ably led by CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, carried out their law enforcement mandate diligently all through the duration of the protests. They were able to display high level professionalism on the job while dealing with the protesters”.

    “Reliable information from our field officers has it that CP Abaniwonda, opened a Special Protest Situation Monitoring Room that was furnished with sophisticated communication gadgets that were distributed to the field officers leading various units across the state from where incidences were reported as they unfolds and await further directives from the Command on the next line of action”.

    “We are indeed happy to say that CP Abaniwonda has provided leadership to his men and officers at the Command since his resumption. This is evident in the reduction of crimes and other social vices in the state, particularly in Warri, Uvwie, Udu and Ughelli areas that used to be notorious for all sorts of violent crimes in recent past.

    Read Also: Troops swoop on oil thieves in Niger Delta, clamp down on 13 illegal refineries

    “We cannot conclude this report if we failed to acknowledge the role played by the military in this protests. The troop of the 63Brigade, Asaba under Brigadier General Ugochukwu Vitus Unachukwu, were very outstanding all through this period, as they conducted themselves professionally in their various post”.

    It added: “Also not forgetting officers and men of the 3Battalion, Effurun Barracks, Uvwie Local Government, for their synergy with the police. The Commanding Officer (CO) Rear, Major Ohegbe Augustine, provided the needed leadership by ensuring that his men were well positioned while he embarked on regular patrol and using his drone to monitor activities in other locations.

    “And finally, we also want to appreciate Deltans for their understanding and law abiding dispositions throughout the duration of the protests. We are not unmindful of the fact that Deltans are not going through the hardships experienced in the country today but choose to be more tolerance and give the government time to do the needful in addressing the situation “

  • NDDC hosts retreat to boost operational efficiency, corporate governance

    NDDC hosts retreat to boost operational efficiency, corporate governance

    The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) recently organised a three-day Retreat and Master Class aimed at improving operational efficiency and accountability within the commission.

    The event titled: “Building synergy for optimal service delivery and effective corporate governance,” was facilitated by Peace and Development Projects (PEDEP) and MARG Education International, with contributions from academic and consultancy experts, including KPMG.

    In his keynote address, Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde, Executive Director of Corporate Services, highlighted the retreat as part of NDDC’s ongoing efforts to enhance internal processes and service delivery across the Niger Delta.

    He urged staff to take the lead in promoting diligent corporate governance to ensure the commission fulfills its mandate.

    Abegunde underscored the retreat as a testament to the commitment of the NDDC leadership under Managing Director Samuel Ogbuku and Governing Board Chairman Chinedu Ibie, aimed at repositioning the commission for effective and impactful performance across the Niger Delta.

    Professor Sylvester Odion-Akhaine of Lagos State University, in his presentation titled: “Discipline Capital: Service Delivery in Corporate Governance,” emphasised that the NDDC’s role is to drive development rather than serve private interests.

    He stressed the importance of the commission delivering tangible benefits, such as reducing environmental degradation, providing potable water, and creating job opportunities for the youth.

    Read Also: NDDC: Ex-federal lawmaker knocks APC chieftain over baseless allegations against Ogbuku

    “The NDDC role is cut out for it. It is a development agency that informs its mission, vision, and values. It has somewhat of an oversight function over the activities of corporate actors in the region from which it partly draws its funds.

    “But reciprocally, the contributing bodies must not be made to feel that they are wasting their money. That feeling can only be cured by the performance and delivery of services-the extent to which it can reduce environment degradation in the region, provide portable pipe-borne water, access roads to communities, provide employment opportunities to the teeming unemployed youth, and equip them with twenty-first-century accommodating skills,” he added.

    KPMG Nigeria’s Managing Partner, Tolulope Odukale, also spoke on the necessity of robust governance frameworks to ensure transparency and accountability within the commission.

    He described the Retreat/Master Class as a pivotal moment for the NDDC as it seeks to enhance its governance and operational standards.

    Seyi Olulade, Managing Partner of Teh Impeccable Skills, discussed the significance of corporate services in the public sector, explaining how these functions are crucial for the smooth operation of organizations like the NDDC.

    During the event, Dr. Otive Igbuzor, founding Executive Director of the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy, and Development, spoke on the importance of synergy within NDDC’s governance structures, stressing the need for collaboration between the board, management, other federal agencies, and the private sector.

    The retreat also featured a tour of key cultural sites in Lagos, including the National Arts Theatre, National Gallery of Arts, and Universal Studios of Arts, allowing NDDC personnel to observe the state’s developmental strides firsthand.

  • USC appeals to Gov Oborevwori to expedite action in rebuilding and resettling Okuama

    USC appeals to Gov Oborevwori to expedite action in rebuilding and resettling Okuama

    The leadership of the Urhobo Social Club of Nigeria, Lagos, has appealed to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to expedite action in fulfilling its promise of rebuilding and resettling Okuama people to their ancestral land.

    The President of Urhobo Social Club of Nigeria, Lagos, Chief Wilson Okpubigho, appealed on Saturday when the representative of the Club visited the Internally Displaced Persons Camp in Ewu-Urhob to donate relief materials to ameliorate the pains of the people who were sacked by the Nigerian military over the unfortunate incident that happened around the community.

    Chief Okpubigho, who was accompanied by Chief Clement Awhana and others to Okuama IDP Camp, commended the Delta State Government for setting up the camp to serve as a stop-gap measure while working out permanent solutions to the plight of the Okuama people.

    He said the Urhobo Social Club of Nigeria, Lagos (USC) was pained by the sad incidence of the killing of soldiers and the disproportional use of force by the military in their quest for revenge on their slain colleagues.

    According to him: “We felt your pains since the incident happened, and we had plans to reach you people; we were also following up with the Delta State Government on steps to rehabilitate and resettle the Okuama people to go back to their ancestral home.

    “Delta State Government has promised that it will rebuild and resettle Okuama people, but you know that government bureaucratic protocols would take time before that can happen to enable Okuama people to go home.

    “So, what we are doing today as part of USC social responsibility, we pulled resources together to get these items to ensure that our people are taken care of while they remained in the Camp, while we continue to appeal to the Delta State Government to fulfil their promises to the people of Okuama so that they can go back to their ancestral home.

    “Urhobo Social Club of Nigeria, Lagos, wants to encourage the Delta State Government to act fast in rebuilding Okuma. I am sure that with the MORE Agenda of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori that has a human face, it would not be too long before Okuama people will go back home.

    Read Also: Why we are supporting Tinubu’s govt, by Southeast youth leaders

    “As you all know, the Urhobo Social Club doesn’t shy away from anything that concerns the Urhobo Nation. So, we will not relent in our efforts until we see that Okuama people are resettled in their place.”

    Receiving the items, which include a big cow, 20 bags of 50kg rice and 10 bags of 50kg garri, the Chairman of the Ewu-Okuama Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Management Committee, Mr Abraham Ogbodo, applauded the donation and thanked the USC Club for the gesture.

    Ogbodo also appealed to other good-spirited Urhobos, Deltans and groups to show concern about the plight of the Okuama people, “since the inmates have to be alive and healthy before returning to their homes permanently.”

    He added that while the government works out a permanent solution to the pains of the Okuama people, the welfare of those in the camp, particularly women and children, must not be compromised, considering the trauma the people have gone through.

    “I want to appeal to other good-spirited Urhobos to come to the aid of the Okuama people; the journey has not finished; this is just a stopgap before a more permanent solution, which is rebuilding and resettling Okuama people to their ancestral homeland, so we solicit for more assistance.”

  • Ibeno elders demand even development in A’Ibom 

    Ibeno elders demand even development in A’Ibom 

    The paramount ruler of Ibeno Local Government, Owong Effiong Bassey Archianga, has called on Governor Umo Eno to address the longstanding developmental imbalance and well-being of Ibeno residents.

    Owong Archianga, in a statement, lamented the neglect of Ibeno LG.

    He said: “Previous administration relegated the local government area to the periphery in terms of infrastructure development and political appointments. 

    “Ibeno hosts the highest number of International Oil Companies (IOCs), including ExxonMobil Nigeria, and contributes approximately 75% of the state’s monthly revenue. Despite this substantial contribution, the people of Ibeno have been treated poorly, facing scorn, neglect, and degradation.”

    While recounting the challenges faced by Ibeno, the monarch noted that “Since 1999, Ibeno has produced only four commissioners, two of whom were appointed by Obong Arc. Victor Attah between 1999 and 2006. Currently, Ibeno has no representation in the State Executive Council or the State House of Assembly.

    “The people have never had access to potable water; the last attempted water project was in 1975 and remained incomplete, leaving behind decaying steel tanks as a grim reminder of the community’s plight. The terrain of Ibeno, rich in oil deposits, complicates the availability of clean drinking water, forcing residents to rely on stagnant and polluted ponds.”

    Speaking further, he said: “Under the current administration of Governor Umo Eno, the government introduced a One-Project per LGA initiative. While projects in other local government areas have progressed, the project selected by the people of Ibeno has yet to materialize. It is particularly disheartening that the second phase of these projects has already commenced across the state while Ibeno has not even begun the first phase.”

    Read Also: Remapping: Obolo youths reverse quit order on oil firms

    Owong Archianga also highlighted that: “The Akwa Ibom State Government, under Pastor Umo Eno, awarded a minimum of 10 kilometers of road contracts in each local government area. To the shock and dismay of Ibeno residents, the area that contributes significantly to the state’s revenue was excluded from the road project. The only hospital serving the entire local government is a Cottage Hospital built during the Godswill Akpabio administration. 

    He asserted that Ibeno is an integral part of the Akwa Ibom Project and deserves better treatment from the state government, reassuring the Governor of the continued support and cooperation of the people of Ibeno in achieving greater heights for the state.

    The monarch called on Governor Eno to explore ways to bring the people of Ibeno closer to the government and foster a sense of unity amongst them.

  • Ministers, CEOs NMDPRA, Zenith Bank, others for dinner of Niger Delta Int’l Festival, Trade Expo

    Ministers, CEOs NMDPRA, Zenith Bank, others for dinner of Niger Delta Int’l Festival, Trade Expo

    Notable personalities have graced the dinner to unveil the Niger Delta International Festival and Trade Expo organised by KenEva Consult Ltd, KenRich Global Consult Ltd and Brevity Anderson . 

    Among those in attendance are Niger Delta Minister Abubakar Momoh; Minister of Finance Wale Edun; Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar A. Bagudu, who was represented by Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed, a representative of the Chief Executive Officer Zenith Bank Plc, Adaora Umeoji, SEPLAT representative and others.

    The dinner is ahead the Niger Delta International Festival and Trade Expo coming up this year, which will feature Niger Delta Economic and Investment Summit 2024. 

    The twin event, the Niger Delta International Festival & Trade Expo and Niger Delta Economic and Investment Summit is in partnership with the Ministry of Niger Delta and Brevity Anderson 

    The Ministry and KenEva Consult Ltd had signed an MoU in Abuja for the hosting of the event.

    The founder NDIFTE, Amb Kenule Nwiya, told newsmen that the festival and trade expo is strategically designed to give back to the people of the region by way of economic empowerment, rich cultural display, trade expo and more. 

    “We will have the charity medical outreach, as well as lots of empowerment programmes in line with the festival’s show structure. 

    “Of course the empowerment is something that we have designed to enhance small, medium scale enterprises and empower our people in this sub-sector of the economy. That is not all, people that promote our local foods, they will also be empowered”, he said. 

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    He stated: “There will be a lot of pitch around this cycle, they will showcase their local foods, local fabrics and whatever it is that oils the wheel of their economy. This is what we intend to do and this is the kind of empowerment that has sustainable integration”. 

    The unveiling dinner at Abuja Transcorp Hilton Hotel on Aug. 6, is one of the programmes lined up ahead of the twin events. 

    It is expected further unlock the economic potentials domiciled in the Niger Delta region as well as give youths of the region opportunity to leverage on their capacity and capability to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s economic development.