The Nation Newspaper

Category: Niger Delta

  • Akwa Ibom Senator hails Otti for restoring Abia urban pride

    Akwa Ibom Senator hails Otti for restoring Abia urban pride

    Former Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien, has commended Abia  Governor, Alex Otti, for what he described as a visible and massive transformation of Aba and other major cities in the State through renewed infrastructure development and improved urban sanitation.

    Senator Ibok Essien, who is also the Founder of Ritman University, Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, made the remark while driving through Aba and Umuahia en route to neighbouring Rivers State. 

    He observed with delight that the scale and pace of work carried out by the Otti administration within just over two years deserved sincere commendation.

     He singled out the turnaround of Aba’s urban roads and drainage projects, including the reconstruction of the once dilapidated Port Harcourt Road, now expanded into a modern six-lane carriageway with streetlights, roundabouts and proper drainage, describing it as the restoration of a major economic artery abandoned for decades.

    Drawing from personal experience, the elder statesman recalled that he was part of the team of engineers that supervised the original construction of Aba Urban Roads and Drainages by MCC, which included the Port Harcourt Road in Aba between 1979 and 1983, when Abia was under the old Imo State and governed by the late Sam Mbakwe, the first elected civilian governor of the State. 

    He observed that since that period, the roads and much of Aba’s infrastructure suffered prolonged neglect, making the current expansion and upgrade a landmark intervention that has restored connectivity and eased movement across the commercial city.

    The Fellow, Nigerian Society of Engineers (FNSE) also praised the remodelling and reconstruction of the Ariaria International Market by Governor Otti, saying the project has repositioned Aba as a modern commercial hub with facilities that meet international standards. 

    He further noted the construction of several roads in Umuahia, the evacuation of long-standing refuse dumps, and the general improvement in sanitation across the State, stressing that these efforts have returned Aba and other urban centres to functional and livable conditions.

    According to him, the fact that Aba has become passable again after decades of deplorable roads is a clear indication of purposeful leadership. He added that with the speed at which Governor Otti is driving development, Abia is steadily reclaiming its place as a leading economic and industrial centre in the South-East.

    The immediate-past National Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), also called for sustained public support for Governor Otti, noting that development thrives best when leaders are encouraged by the people. 

    The first Akwa Ibom legislator to be elected into the ECOWAS parliament equally commended the synergy between Governor Otti and his Akwa Ibom counterpart, Pastor Umo Eno, saying both leaders have demonstrated a shared commitment to urban renewal and people-centric governance, which deserves collective support in their respective states.

  • Lokpobiri mourns passing of Bayelsa deputy gov Ewhrudjakpo

    Lokpobiri mourns passing of Bayelsa deputy gov Ewhrudjakpo

    The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, has expressed profound sadness over the passing of Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.

    In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by his special adviser on media and communications, Nneamaka Okafor, Senator Lokpobiri described the loss as significant for Bayelsa State, the Niger Delta region, and the nation.

    He praised the late deputy governor as a dedicated public servant whose career reflected loyalty, integrity, and a strong commitment to the development of Bayelsa State.

    “From his years as Commissioner to his service in the Senate and later as Deputy Governor, Senator Ewhrudjakpo gave his all to the progress of our State,” the Minister said.

    Senator Lokpobiri noted that the Deputy Governor’s contributions to governance “remain etched in the history of Bayelsa,” adding that his passing is “a collective tragedy felt far beyond his immediate family.”

    He extended condolences to Governor Douye Diri, the widow, Barr. (Mrs.) Beatrice Ewhrudjakpo, their children, the wider Ewhrudjakpo family, the Ofoni community, and the people of Bayelsa State.

    The Minister prayed for comfort for the bereaved and for eternal rest for the late Deputy Governor. “May God console the family and grant his soul eternal rest,” he said.

  • Senator Dafinone mourns Bayelsa Deputy Governor, Ewhrudjakpo

    Senator Dafinone mourns Bayelsa Deputy Governor, Ewhrudjakpo

    The Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District, Ede Dafinone, has expressed sorrow over the sudden death of Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State.

    Dafinone described his passing as “a monumental loss to the Urhobo Nation, Bayelsa State, and Nigeria at large,” in a statement made available to reporters in Warri, Friday.

    Ewhrudjakpo reportedly collapsed on Thursday and died shortly after at the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa. His death has thrown the Urhobo Nation and the wider Niger Delta region into mourning.

    Read Also: Makinde mourns Bayelsa Deputy Gov

    Senator Dafinone said he received the news “with deep shock and profound sadness,” noting that the late Deputy Governor was “a principled politician, a committed public servant, and a distinguished son of Urhobo who carried himself with dignity, loyalty, and unwavering dedication to the service of his people.”

    He praised Ewhrudjakpo’s contributions to governance, community development, and national unity, noting his political journey “reflected a lifetime of service rooted in integrity, hard work, and devotion to the common good.”

    According to Dafinone, the void created by the deputy governor’s death will be “difficult to fill,” given his humility, forthrightness, and commitment to public service.

    The senator extended condolences to the Ewhrudjakpo family, the Urhobo Nation, the Government and people of Bayelsa State, and all who admired the late leader. 

    He urged the bereaved to take solace in the impact he made during his lifetime, noting that “he lived a purposeful life, touched many lives, and left behind a legacy of honour and service that will endure.”

  • Monarchs oppose parallel chiefs’ affiliations

    Monarchs oppose parallel chiefs’ affiliations

    The Urhobo Traditional Rulers Council has kicked against chiefs of the 24 kingdoms joining parallel associations.

    It said defaulters will face sanctions.

    The resolution was reached at a meeting of the monarchs on Tuesday, at the Ovie of Oghara’s palace, Ethiope West council area of Delta state.

    Speaking on behalf of the council, the Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom, His Majesty Udurhie I outlined the decisions reached during the session.

    He said the monarchs were concerned about the rise of rival chieftaincy groups. 

    “We are now aware that there are a lot of split-up groups who call themselves Urhobo Traditional Chiefs Association. Others say they are in several names. But this communiqué is issued to put a stop to that unnecessary acrimony,” the royal father stated.

    Reaffirming the established hierarchy, he said the traditional structure remained inviolable, adding: “Every chief in each kingdom are members of the traditional council of that kingdom. Hence, no Urhobo chief is allowed outside his kingdom to go and form a parallel chieftaincy association.”

    He said the directive carries firm consequences for defaulters.

  • Centre urges Reps to safeguard Niger Delta’s hard-won peace

    Centre urges Reps to safeguard Niger Delta’s hard-won peace

    A socio-cultural advocate group, the Izon Cultural Heritage Centre (ICHC), has expressed concern over the ongoing oversight issues between the House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), particularly regarding the summons issued to the Programme’s Coordinator, Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro.

    The group said ICHC as a cultural institution committed to peace building, social stability, and the preservation of the Niger Delta’s collective interests, recognised the constitutional mandate of the National Assembly to ensure transparency and accountability in the management of public institutions, saying oversight must be conducted, and public officials must provide clarifications when required.

    However, the ICHC Chairman, Apostle Bodmas Kenepadei, strongly advised that the tone, manner, and escalating posture of the Committee risk creating unintended tensions in a region that has, through considerable sacrifices and deliberate efforts, enjoyed unprecedented peace in recent years.

  • Army promotes A’Ibom’s Ime Bassey to Major General

    Army promotes A’Ibom’s Ime Bassey to Major General

    The Nigerian Army has announced the promotion of an Akwa Ibom son, Brigadier General Ime O. Bassey to the rank of Major General.

    The elevation was confirmed in Abuja by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Appolonia Anele, who described Bassey as an accomplished infantry officer with extensive field experience and exceptional academic credentials.

    Commissioned into the Infantry Corps in 1999, Major General Bassey has participated in multiple national and international operations.

    His combat and peacekeeping record spans ECOMOG and UN missions in Sierra Leone and Liberia, as well as major Nigerian operations including Op Hakuri (Cameroon–Nigeria border, Gembu), Op Pulo Shield (Niger Delta), Op Lafiya Dole and Op Hadin Kai (North-East), and Op Sweep/Mesa (North-West).

    He has held several key command and instructional appointments, among them Platoon Commander, Company Commander, Chief Instructor at the Amphibious Training School, Adjutant of the Nigerian Defence Academy, Battalion Commander, Brigade Commander, and most recently Director, Nigerian Army Operations Centre at Army Headquarters, a central role responsible for coordinating and monitoring operations nationwide.

    Major General Bassey’s academic profile is also distinguished. He holds four Master’s Degrees across various fields, including advanced studies from the Nigerian Defence Academy (Kaduna), the National Open University of Nigeria and King’s College London. He also earned a Ph.D in Public Leadership and Governance from the Leadership Centre, University of Abuja.

    His educational journey began at Central Primary School, Okopedi Okobo, Zion Primary School Oron, Central Primary School Ikono, Christ the King Primary School Uyo, and Central Primary School Itak, before attending Lutheran High School, Ikot Obong Edong and Lutheran High School, Obot Idim, Uyo.

    He later began his Bachelor’s degree in English at the University of Uyo and left three months after to be trained as a regular combatant with a B. Sc in Political Science and Defence Studies at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna.

    The newly promoted Major General hails from Nsit Atai Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. He is known to enjoy golf, long-distance trekking, photography, and nature exploration. A devoted Christian, he is married and blessed with four children.

    Bassey’s elevation comes as part of the Army Council’s 2025 promotion cycle, which saw over 50 senior officers rise to new ranks across AFN in a broad restructuring of operational, intelligence, and administrative commands.

    His promotion underscores the Army’s drive to reinforce its central operations architecture amid evolving national security challenges.

    Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, congratulated the newly promoted officers and urged them to justify the confidence reposed in them by demonstrating exceptional leadership, innovation, and unwavering loyalty to the Constitution.

     He emphasised the need for renewed commitment to tackling evolving security challenges and safeguarding the country’s territorial integrity.

    The promotions are expected to bolster the Army’s operational leadership and enhance ongoing efforts to strengthen national security.

  • Niger Delta powers Nigeria but suffers neglect, stakeholders warn

    Niger Delta powers Nigeria but suffers neglect, stakeholders warn

    …‘Progress must not stall’ – Presidential Aide launches Road to South-South 2.0

    Stakeholders have expressed renewed concern over the environmental degradation and economic exclusion facing the South-South region, warning that Nigeria’s most resource-rich zone continues to shoulder the burden of powering the nation while remaining beset by underdevelopment.

    Speaking at the second edition of Road to South-South: The National Convergence of the Renewed Hope Agenda on Wednesday at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe described the region as the “circulatory system” of Nigeria’s economy, whose neglect has become “untenable and dangerous.”

    “For decades, the South-South has powered national growth, supplying the oil and gas resources that fuel the federation. Yet its own arteries remain clogged by environmental pollution, economic exclusion, and recurring social unrest. This paradox… is the heart of the national question we must resolve”, Jarigbe said.

    He said the forum, convened by the Office of the President, signalled a shift “from rhetoric to roadmap, from grievance to strategy, and from isolation to collaboration.”

    The senator outlined three priority areas requiring urgent action, beginning with a comprehensive Niger Delta Environmental Restoration and Sustainability Act to go beyond “palliative clean-ups,” ensure total remediation of polluted areas, and hold polluters accountable. He also called for coordinated environmental monitoring systems.

    On economic reform, Jarigbe advocated a South-South industrial blueprint to attract investment into gas processing, petrochemicals, the blue economy, tourism, and sustainable agriculture.

    He urged that the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) initiative establish a strong implementation footprint in the region to drive industrialisation and create jobs.

    He stressed that collaboration must translate into concrete results on the ground, identifying three strategic areas: infrastructure convergence among federal and state agencies to complete critical projects such as the East-West Road and expand seaports; a security-development framework to protect infrastructure and encourage legitimate economic activity; and targeted human-capital investment, including Centres of Excellence in energy and environmental studies and improved healthcare in oil-bearing communities.

    “Security for pipelines must also mean security for people and their livelihoods,” he said, warning against top-down development that excludes host communities.

    He proposed compulsory Community Development Agreements for major projects to guarantee employment, procurement, and measurable social impact, while insisting that traditional rulers and youth groups be central to planning and evaluation.

    Jarigbe described the transformation of the South-South as a “moral obligation” and a prerequisite for national stability, economic resilience, and environmental justice, urging stakeholders to ensure the convergence “is not another talk shop” but a launchpad for a new compact among governments, the private sector, and the people.

    He maintained that President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda presents a fresh opportunity for collaborative action and insisted that meaningful transformation must start immediately with strategic policy, genuine partnership, and political will.

    Earlier in her remarks, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (South-South), Hon. Gift Johnbull, unveiled Road to South-South 2.0, describing it as a renewed push to deepen development and ensure that “progress must never stall.”

    She said the initiative builds on the successes of the inaugural edition, which included Project Earn from the Soil, an agricultural empowerment programme that provided labour-saving machinery to thousands of farmers and attracted international recognition.

    According to her, the new phase will focus on agribusiness, renewable energy, education, and technology transfer, turning global training and investment into local impact.

    Johnbull urged stakeholders to partner closely, stressing that the South-South is not only Nigeria’s oil base but also an innovation hub, cultural heartland, and vital pillar of national unity and growth.

  • NDDC, partners launch comprehensive anti-drug crusade in Bayelsa

    NDDC, partners launch comprehensive anti-drug crusade in Bayelsa

    In an effort to tackle the mounting challenge of drug and substance abuse among the youths of Bayelsa State, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), in strategic collaboration with Maroil Nig Ltd, has embarked on a far-reaching, multi-dimensional sensitization campaign across the state.

    This campaign is in commemoration with the international day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking, amplifying the global call to action against the devastating consequences of substance misuse.

    Anchored by the powerful theme, “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention, Break the Chain, Say No to Drug Abuse,” the initiative seeks not simply to raise awareness but to instill lasting behavioral change and resilience among a vulnerable youth population grappling with the lure of drugs.

    Harnessing the strength of a broad coalition comprising the NDDC, Maroil Nig Ltd, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Federal Road Safety Corps, Nigeria Police Force, and other critical stakeholders, the campaign kicked off with an energetic road walk.

    The march, spanning major landmarks from Ekeki park down to Igibim to onopka and other areas, served as a highly visible platform for disseminating compelling anti-drug messages to the public.

    Participants actively engaged community members through the distribution of educational flyers, visually impactful branded T-shirts, and caps, thereby fostering ongoing dialogues about the grave dangers of drug abuse and the societal costs it imposes.

    The lectors delivered incisive lectures highlighting the far-reaching consequences of drug dependency. These presentations underscored the devastating impact on mental health, physical well-being, academic progress, and the broader social fabric of communities, emphasizing that addiction is not an individual affliction but a collective menace.

    The experts emphasized that combating substance abuse demands a comprehensive, systemic strategy that cuts across the drug supply chain, from cultivation and trafficking to consumption. Integral to this approach is community involvement. They called on residents to remain vigilant, nurture open channels of communication, and actively partner with law enforcement agencies to identify and dismantle drug networks operating within their neighborhoods.

    School authorities warmly expressed their profound appreciation to the NDDC and Maroil Big Ltd, for championing this transformative endeavor. They heralded the campaign as a vital platform for equipping youths with the knowledge, confidence, and resolve needed to reject destructive behaviors and make empowered, life-affirming decisions.

    Importantly, this landmark campaign positions Bayelsa as beacon of hope and resilience across the Niger Delta region, fostering an environment ripe for sustained community engagement, enhanced drug education, and robust youth empowerment programs.

    The strategic alliance between the NDDC and Maroil Nig Ltd, stands as a sterling example of collaborative leadership harnessing expertise and grassroots mobilization to tackle complex societal challenges. Their partnership demonstrates that with unwavering commitment, targeted education, and holistic empowerment, a drug-free, thriving youth generation is an attainable goal.

    As the battle against drug abuse grows ever more urgent, this initiative resonates as a clarion call, affirming that through collective action, enlightenment, and intentional empowerment, we can safeguard the future of our youths and build stronger, more resilient communities.

  • UPU must ‘reinvent Itself, Emerhor warns at Urhobo Day, seeks unity, self assessment 

    UPU must ‘reinvent Itself, Emerhor warns at Urhobo Day, seeks unity, self assessment 

    The Chairman of the 2025 Urhobo Day and 94th Annual Congress of the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU), Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, OON, last Saturday charged the Urhobo nation and its leadership that “UPU must reinvent itself like our founding fathers did” to confront new socio-political challenges and reclaim its strategic relevance in Nigeria.

    Speaking at the Urhobo Cultural Centre in Uvwiamuge, Agbarho, Emerhor said the annual congress was “a forum for very serious Urhobo business” and urged delegates to combine celebration with deep reflection on the state of the Urhobo nation. He warned that despite being one of Delta State’s largest ethnic nationalities, Urhobo is increasingly missing from Nigeria’s strategic conversations.

    “How come, when I Googled Nigeria ethnic tribes or groups, Urhobo does not even show up on the list, not even after 10 or 11 ethnic groups? Why? What? Is Urhobo doing enough in the competition for strategic space in the Nigeria project?” he queried.

    Emerhor praised the stability restored in the Union, noting that “the UPU is today one strong and united edifice,” but stressed that unity alone is not enough without measurable progress. He urged the UPU to re-examine its mandate: “Other than the word ‘Urhobo’, the mandate is clearly UNITY and PROGRESS.”

    He challenged the Union to boldly confront critical questions about Urhobo’s political strength, economic advancement, cultural preservation, youth development and long-term strategic planning.

    “Where is Urhobo nation socially, economically and politically in Delta State, and in Nigeria? Does the UPU have landmarks for where the Urhobo nation should be in 2025, 2026, 2030 and beyond?” he asked.

    Emerhor reminded the congress that the founding fathers of UPU acted decisively to rescue the Urhobo people during colonial oppression in the 1930s and 1940s. He noted that today’s realities demand similar boldness.

    Read Also: Osimhen wants Onyedika at Galatasaray

    “The UPU faces new and comparable situations such that only decisive action will be sufficient. UPU must reinvent itself like our founding fathers did earlier for us,” he declared.

    Welcoming all sons and daughters of Urhobo to the annual gathering, Emerhor urged a collective awakening: “As we celebrate, let’s self-assess and reflect. Let us reawake ourselves to the reality of Urhobo today in the scheme of things.”

    The event, which also provides an opportunity to “retain or elect new leadership to steer the affairs of the UPU,” brought together Urhobo sons and daughters from various social, economic and political backgrounds, including those in the diaspora.

    Emerhor also called for renewed commitment to the ideals of unity, progress and cultural preservation, adding, “That will be a great honour to the founding fathers of the UPU.”

  • IYC worried over terrorists, bandits’ incursions into Niger Delta

    IYC worried over terrorists, bandits’ incursions into Niger Delta

    • …seeks urgent implementation of state police

    The umbrella body of Ijaw youths, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide, has expressed deep concern over the rising cases of terrorists and bandits incursions into the Niger Delta and other parts of the country.

    The IYC, therefore, called for urgent reforms in security measures and emphasised the necessity of local governance and accountability in addressing the pressing security challenges within Nigeria. 

    The group in a statement on Monday by its national spokesman, Amb. Binebai Yerin Princewill, expressed solidarity with Nigerians and the people of the Niger Delta facing insecurity and terror from terrorists, bandits and jihadists.

    Princewill highlighted a significant rise in violence, kidnappings, and killings, resulting in humanitarian crises, displacement of families, and disruption of economic activities.

    He condemned the relevant authorities’ lack of decisive action, emphasizing that reliance on rhetoric instead of action had increased vulnerability to attacks.

    The spokesman insisted that the authorities must take concrete steps to protect lives and property, stating that many Nigerians are exhausted by the current state of insecurity.

    Princewill demanded the urgent implementation of State Police as a vital solution to the security issues, noting that the initiative would allow for community-based security measures and enable better understanding of local threats.

    The IYC spokesman stated, “We call upon all state governors in Nigeria, particularly those from the Niger Delta region, to rise to the challenge of protecting their people. 

    “As leaders entrusted with the responsibility of governing their states, they must be more proactive in ensuring the security and well-being of their citizens. 

    “The IYC Worldwide expects more from our leaders, and it is time they prioritized the security and welfare of our people over political considerations.

    “The lack of action from some of our leaders has been quite telling. We urge them to put the interests of their people above personal interests and take bold steps to address the security challenges facing our communities. Our people are dying, and it is time for our leaders to act.

    “We demand that the federal government and state governments take concrete steps to address the root causes of insecurity, including poverty, unemployment, and lack of access to social amenities, which have contributed to the rise of violent groups and criminal activities. Our people deserve to live in peace and prosperity, and it is the responsibility of our leaders to ensure that this is achieved.”

    He averred that the group would not be silenced or intimidated by those who are more interested in maintaining the status quo than in protecting the people. 

    “We will continue to advocate for the rights and interests of our people, and we will take all necessary steps to ensure that our voices are heard,” Princewill added.