The Nation Newspaper

Category: SouthEast

  • NOGAPS industrial park will be a game changer, says Lokpobiri

    NOGAPS industrial park will be a game changer, says Lokpobiri

    From Simon Utebor, Yenagoa

    The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, has expressed satisfaction about the level of work done at the Nigerian Oil and Gas Park Scheme (NOGAPS), by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB).

    He said this yesterday during a tour of the project facilities in company with the NCDMB Executive Secretary, Simbi Wabote, at Emeyal 1 in Ogbia Local Government of Bayelsa State.

    The minister added that the industrial park would be a game changer.

    Lokpobiri noted that the All Progressives Congress (APC) government made a promise to Nigerians that “we are going to create an opportunity for businesses to thrive.”

    He said the Petroleum Ministry is going to support the board in anyway it can to ensure the facility is completed in time.

    Read Also: I’m committed to APC’s victory in Bayelsa – Lokpobiri

    He said: “I am impressed with what I have seen here. I have earlier seen the presentation by the Executive Secretary on the scene when they came to Abuja. I felt am going to come here to come and see things for myself. Sometimes, what you see on paper or on the screen presented to you may not be a true reflection of what is on ground.

    “So, I choose to come here today and I have seen what is here and I want to say this is a world-class. The APC government made a promise to Nigeria that we are going to create an opportunity for businesses to thrive. When this is completed, this industrial park will be a game changer.

    “I was talking with the ES and he said he already has excess applicants, application of those who want to come and take spaces here to manufacture one thing or the other and we are going to support the board in any way that we can to ensure this is completed within time, so that we will be able to make this facility available to those who want to manufacture different things or products not only for the oil industry, but also for the entire economy, create jobs for our teeming youths.

    “So I am highly impressed with what I am seeing here and I can’t wait for this to be completed for the benefit of Nigerians.”

    The NCDMB Executive Secretary, Simbi Wabote, said the project, which was scheduled to be completed by last quarter of 2023, had to slow down because of the impact of flood, adding that he is very optimistic that the industrial park will be opened by the first quarter of 2024.

    He said: “You can see the construction work, as you know building things in Bayelsa State is not a piece of cake, it takes time. We were impacted by the flood, we had to slow down, but we are optimistic that in the first quarter of 2024, we will get this facility inaugurated.

    “Substantial interest, we are screening. Like you know, when you put out something like this, a lot of people indicate interest, but you have to really screen them to know those who are serious. Currently, we have similar project in Odukpani, Cross River State. We have trucks of those who have applied and we are screening them. At the appropriate time, we will allocate to those who indeed will come and set up manufacturing here.”

  • Aloysius lkegwuonu (Bishop Ozubulu) for Christly Humanitarian of the Year Award

    Aloysius lkegwuonu (Bishop Ozubulu) for Christly Humanitarian of the Year Award

    Renowned philanthropist and oil magnate, High Chief Aloysius Nnamdi Ikegwuonu, popularly known as Bishop Ozubulu, is set to be bestowed with the prestigious ‘Christly Humanitarian of The Year’ Award at the upcoming 2023 Leadership Excellence Awards in November.

    High Chief Aloysius Ikegwuonu, often referred to as the ‘Youngest Silent Billionaire,’ has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to humanitarian causes. His latest endeavor involves the construction of over 120 free houses for widows and the less privileged, exemplifying his dedication to uplifting the underprivileged in society.

    Within his Ozubulu community, he has undertaken remarkable initiatives by establishing five international standard Catholic churches, alongside a parish house and a sister’s lodge. Additionally, he has erected a rehabilitation center, complete with its own church, providing essential care for patients, and even constructed spacious halls within the center.

    A true symbol of christly compassion, High Chief Aloysius Ikegwuonu generously covers the hospital expenses of discharged patients and those with severe cases in major hospitals in Anambra State whenever he visits. Furthermore, he extends his benevolence to the elderly population, ensuring that all individuals aged 60 and above receive a monthly salary, in addition to having their medical bills fully covered.

    High Chief Aloysius Nnamdi Ikegwuonu, the CEO of Aloy’s Oil and Gas, is not only a successful entrepreneur but also a renowned philanthropist. His selfless contributions to society have earned him the well-deserved ‘Christly Humanitarian Of The Year’ Award, which will be presented at the #LEEX Awards.

    Read Also: Ozubulu massacre: Overcome evil with love – Catholic Bishop urges Christians

    Recently, his humanitarian foundation, the Ebubechukwuzo Foundation, took a monumental step by granting scholarships to over 1000 underprivileged students, ranging from nursery school to university level, within Anambra State and beyond.

    The Leadership Excellence Awards (LEEX Awards), now in its fifth consecutive year, is an annual event organized by IgbereTV. It serves as a platform to acknowledge and celebrate the remarkable achievements of leaders in both the public and private sectors of Nigeria. The awards ceremony also shines a spotlight on individuals whose profound impact has reverberated throughout Nigeria’s political, social, and economic landscape.

    The much-anticipated award presentation to Bishop Ozubulu will take place on Saturday, the 11th of November 2023, at the prestigious Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja, marking a significant moment in the recognition of his extraordinary humanitarian efforts.

  • NIPOST celebrates pupil for excelling in letter writing

    NIPOST celebrates pupil for excelling in letter writing

    The Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) in Enugu State has hailed the performance of a pupil of Shalom Academy, Nsukka, Enugu State, Uche Nneke, who emerged as one of the national winners of the 2023 World Post Day Letter Writing Competition.

    Uche came third in the competition with a prize award of N50,000 from the Postmaster-General of the Federation/CEO NIPOST, Mr. Sunday Adepoju.

    Speaking during the road march to celebrate the World Post Day in Enugu, the Postal Manager, NIPOST, Enugu, Akoma Friday, expressed happiness that a national winner emerged from his state.

    He said the competition was one of NIPOST’s social responsibilities to the growing generation of Nigerians, adding that the agency would deliver the prize to the school and take the opportunity to encourage other pupils to emulate hard working Nneke.

    Read Also: NIPOST’s silent transformation

    On the celebration of World Post Day with the theme: ‘Together for trust: Collaborating for a safe and connected future’, Akoma reiterated NIPOST’s commitment to giving Nigerians affordable, reliable and tech-driven services.

    He said: “In an era characterised by rapid transformation and globalisation, trust stands as the bedrock upon which all meaningful human interactions are predicated.”

    Postal services have, for generations, embodied this trust.

    “When you entrust NIPOST with your cherished letters and packages, you are placing your trust in our hands. This trust is an inviolable covenant, one that we hold in the highest regard and pledge to safeguard as the very essence of our service.”

    Akoma restated NIPOST’s commitment to delivering its services with speed, efficiency and professionalism while maintaining the highest standard of integrity

  • Reps call for building of section v of East West road

    Reps call for building of section v of East West road

    The House of Representatives has urged Federal Ministry of Work to ensure the commencement of the building of section v of the East West road.

    It mandated the Committees on Works and Appropriation to make provision for the construction of the road to link Oron in Akwa Ibom State and Odukpani Calabar in Cross River State in the 2024 budget estimate.

    These resolutions followed the adoption of a motion moved by Bassey Akiba, Mike Etaba, Alex Egbona,

    Joseph Bassey, Emil Inyang, Victor Abang, Peter Akpanke and Godwin Offiong.

    The House said the East-West road, a 388-kilometre federal trunk A2 dual carriageway connecting Niger Delta states and Ikom federal trunk A4 road, initially designed with 42 bridges and 1,000 culverts, was awarded at N246 billion in 2006.

    It noted that the road was divided into five sections, Warri-Kaiama in Delta/Bayelsa State; Port Harcourt-Ahoada-Kaiama in Rivers/Bayelsa State; Eleme-Onne-Ete in Rivers/Akwa Ibom State and Ikot Abasi-Eket-Oron Road in Akwa Ibom/Cross River State.

    Read Also: Fintiri kicks-off building of N21bn road

    The House said sections I to IV of the road have reached 85 per cent completion, with the Federal Government releasing funds for a new bypass and other works.

    This, it said, had increased the contract sum from N246 billion to N506 billion, with over 80 per cent of the funds already released.

    The House was concerned that the building of section IV of the 30km dual carriageway from Oron to Calabar was

    ongoing, despite contract awards from the Federal Government.

    It said the road, which linked Cross River and Akwa Ibom states, was in poor condition, with potholes causing loss of lives and forcing commuters to travel by sea.

    It said the construction of section v of the East-West road would address infrastructural deficit and enhance economic stability by facilitating the movement of goods.

    The House added that the building of a new East-West road section was expected to alleviate the current six-hour journey time, which had increased fares in the region.

  • Otu, senators, others join walk against drug abuse

    Otu, senators, others join walk against drug abuse

    Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu, two senators from the state, Asuquo Ekpenyong and Eteng Williams, as well as dignitaries within and outside the state have joined thousands of others in a 12- kilometre walk against drug abuse and mental health challenge among youths in Cross River State.

    The walk was organised by a non-profit fitness and wellness organisation, Health Billionaires Fitness Club, tagged: ‘Calabar Walkathon 4.0’, with the theme: ‘Drug abuse and mental health.’

    The Calabar Walkathon, the fourth in the series by the organisation, attracted over 5,000 participants.

    Speaking while launching the exercise in Calabar, Governor Otu hailed the initiative by the organisation to address drug abuse and mental health.

    The governor, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Anthony Enoh, said the government was pleased with the exercise, as it aligned with its agenda.

    He said the current administration would make youths understand that their well-being was important to the state.

    The Chairman of the fitness club, William Archibong Jnr, said the exercise would create awareness about drug abuse and mental health among youths.

    Read Also: Otu assures stakeholders of building a stronger APC in C/River

    He said they had brought the sectors involved in the hazard, including National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and Psychiatric Hospital together to help achieve their aim.

    Archibong Jnr said what they were doing was awareness, “the next thing is to ensure we create a home for them where they will be kept and made happy.”

    It’s a work in progress.”

    The Chairman of Walkathon Planning Committee, Liyel Imoukhede, said they chose the theme “because the social menace at this time is not far from drug abuse and mental health.”

    He added: “Crime and drugs are driving the youth into this menace, so we decided to partner stakeholders against it.”

    NDLEA state Commandant Rachel Umebuali said they were glad to be part of the exercise, as they were passionate about youths.

    She said the youth were their main target, noting that there was no going back in the fight against drug abuse.

  • Stakeholders worried over export challenges

    Stakeholders worried over export challenges

    Stakeholders in Nigeria’s export sector have expressed worry over challenges that may threaten the viability of Koko Port, one of the four ports in Delta State, located in Warri North Local Government.

    Some of the challenges identified include inadequate concessions to exporters by the new operating firm, poor road access to the port and perceived insecurity in the area.

    The stakeholders, who were participants at a one-day seminar organised by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), called on the Federal Government to prevail on the operator, Creek-Shore Jetty and Terminal Limited, to allow certain concessions to exporters who utilise the port.

    The Chairman of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Daily Berthing Committee, Delta Ports, Sir Chidi Njoku, said the recent development might force exporters, who had been convinced to utilise the port, to seek alternatives.

    Njoku, recalling the campaigns the committee embarked on in order to encourage patronage at the Koko Port, said: “With the way things are going, people using the port may back out. Such a place needs to be conducive for exporters.

    There are many things they should let go of as far as their (exporters) documentations are correct, for export to thrive.”

    Giving instance of an export vessel “blocked for over four days” by the operators, with “demurrage counting,” he said “these people using it now have started redirecting their vessels and making inquiries for other jetties to see if it will be more conducive. Government needs to do something.”

    Others called for a synergy between the federal and state government to fix the dilapidated Warri/Benin Expressway and the road leading to the port, as well as tackle kidnapping and armed robbery.

    Sunny Iwuji of the Shipping Trade Group, speaking about the Warri Port, lamented the high cost of operating at the place. He appealed for “waivers” to be issued them.

    Read Also: World Deaf Football Championships: Sports Minister hails Deaf Eagles

    NSC Executive Secretary Emmanuel Jime, presenting a keynote address on the theme: ‘Export of Agricultural Produce through Koko Port: Issues and Prospects’, called for infrastructural rehabilitation, among others, to attract and encourage exporters to patronise Koko Port.

    Jime, represented by Nambol Nanle, underscored the advantages of utilising Koko Port for exportation and stressed the need for a more “virile export” in Nigeria.

    According to him, “the benefits of a virile export sector to the Nigerian economy cannot be overemphasised. They include foreign exchange earnings leading to favourable balance of trade, stabilisation of the exchange rate as the country exports more products, thereby giving strength to the naira, promotion of industrial activities, creation of employment opportunities for youths, among others.”

    He noted that the strategic location of Koko Port, one of the four ports in Delta State, made it to have comparative advantages in facilitating export by reducing transportation time and cost.

    Jime said the port was most suitable for the export of agricultural produce such as palm kernel, palm oil, cocoa and rubber to the international market.

    Delta State Commissioner for Transport, Onoriode Agofure, represented by Carthuris Ogbogbo, an engineer; said the state government looked forward to partnering the organisation on ways to promote export through ports across the state, as this would translate to economic benefits for the state and meaningful engagement of the populace.

    Others who spoke at the programme included the Director, NSC Southsouth Zone, Mr. Glory Onojedo; Delta State Coordinator, Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Mr. Peter Onokpasa, represented by Godwin Oyibo; the President, Delta Shippers’ Association, Dr. Austin Egbegbadia and the Manager, Delta Ports, Makanjuola Bamidele, represented by Dr. Julius Obilor.

  • Pipeline contract: Rivers, Akwa Ibom HOSCOM give NNPCL 21- day ultimatum 

    Pipeline contract: Rivers, Akwa Ibom HOSCOM give NNPCL 21- day ultimatum 

    Oil bearing communities in Rivers and Akwa Ibom states have issued a 21-day ultimatum to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd (NNPCL), to reverse the pipeline surveillance contracts in the states awarded to non-indigenes from Delta State.

    The communities, under the auspices of Association of Rivers and Akwa Ibom Oil Producing States of Niger Delta Region, spoke yesterday during a peaceful protest to the NNPCL Zonal Office, Moscow Road in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

    The protesters accused the NNPCL of depriving them their rights and benefits in the contract award.

    They displayed placards with inscriptions such as: “NNPC Ltd is not fair to Rivers and Akwa Ibom states for awarding pipeline surveillance contract meant for indigenes of Rivers and Akwa Ibom states to three Delta State indigenes”, “Mele Kolo Kyari give us our right”,  “NNPCL Management, Rivers and Akwa Ibom oil

    producing states demand inclusion in the pipeline surveillance contract in our states in Niger Delta”,  “We want equal and fair treatment as granted indigenes of Delta State for pipeline surveillance”, ”Give us our contract”, among others.

    Speaking to The Nation, one of the protesters, Monday Igbuluka, said host communities in the two oil bearing states were not being carried along by the NNPCL.

  • Clark condemns deplorable state of Niger Delta roads

    Clark condemns deplorable state of Niger Delta roads

    Ijaw leader, Chief Edwin Clark, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in the road infrastructure in the Niger Delta. 

    Clark in an open letter to the President said the current state of roads in the oil rich region was appalling. 

    The Ijaw leader, who hailed Tinubu for his superb outing at the New York, United Nations General Assembly, lamented that Niger Delta had been neglected in the last eight years despite that the region sustained the country’s economy. 

    Read Also: Why I don’t celebrate my birthday again, by Edwin Clark

    He said the former President Muhammadu Buhari administration abandoned the region, while the people died daily because of road accidents. 

    Clark advised President Tinubu to write his name in gold by doing the needful. 

    He said the government should not make some parts of the country feel they are second class citizens.

    He said out of the over 500 roads listed for rehabilitation  by the administration, only 52.2 kilometres were within the region, while other regions had over 1,000 roads for rehabilitation.

    Clark stressed that President Tinubu must not allow the Southsouth to continue to experience neglect. 

    He pleaded with the President to do something on the situation as a matter of urgency. 

  • We are poised to invest aggressively in Nigeria’s talent pool – Aliyu

    We are poised to invest aggressively in Nigeria’s talent pool – Aliyu

    The Managing Partner of Hamu Legal, Saadatu Hamu Aliyu, stood before a captivated audience on that memorable October 2, 2023, evening, discussing her organisation and the legal profession in Nigeria. 

    The elegant Boto restaurant on Yalinga Street, Abuja, was the backdrop for a significant milestone – the firm’s “5th Anniversary” dinner, celebrating five years of remarkable accomplishments.

    Aliyu painted a vision filled with ambition and unwavering dedication in her address. 

    Her commitment was clear: “We are ready to make substantial investments in Nigeria’s talent pool, the wellbeing of our team, and expanding our partnerships to provide exceptional services across various industries.”

    These words resonated with unwavering conviction, as Hamu Legal had already made a name for itself within the legal world. It had woven a thriving tapestry of legal practice, known for ingenious and unconventional solutions, epitomizing its mantra: “Do Different.”

    Aliyu’s impassioned speech spoke of purpose and precision. She emphasized that Hamu Legal would remain united while strategically diversifying its practice across law, technology, energy, dispute resolution, government regulation, and corporate matters – a steadfast commitment to excel and diversify.

    But this endeavor wasn’t solely about growth but becoming a beacon of insight and knowledge. Aliyu stressed the importance of research and development, positioning Hamu Legal as a market leader who provides critical insights on pressing issues to clients and the public.

    The anniversary celebration was nothing short of grandeur. Distinguished guests, including dignitaries, government officials, legal luminaries, and clients from various sectors, gathered to honor Hamu Legal’s journey.

    The atmosphere was electric as 200 attendees convened in this exclusive setting.

    The evening was a journey filled with reminiscence and hope, featuring speeches from the firm’s earliest clients, heartfelt testimonials from friends and family of the Managing Partner, and a documentary that stirred deep emotions.

    Ruqayya Tofa Bashir, CEO of Raw Food & Beauty Resources Limited, praised Hamu Legal’s tenacity, stating, “.

    She continued, “Hamu Legal understands my business, and I’ve always found them reliable.”

    Chukwuma Okoroafor, Head of Legal at Helium Health Limited, acknowledged the firm’s dedicated staff and consistent values. Anthony Epundu, an associate, remarked, “.

    Read Also: Tribunal verdict victory for Nigeria’s democracy, says Governor Aliyu

    At its core, the event was an expression of gratitude, honoring clients, partners, staff, and well-wishers who had contributed to the firm’s ascent. It was a moment to reflect on the remarkable journey and gather momentum for the path ahead.

    The celebration began with a spirited cocktail session, where guests shared stories about their connection with Hamu Legal. The melodic background music added to the ambiance, ensuring the festive spirit never waned.

    The event’s host skillfully guided the evening, captivating attendees even during the sumptuous meals.

    The event beautifully highlighted the synergy between business growth, the significance of corporate gatherings, and the value of recognizing the contributions of staff and clients. The Managing Partner reiterated the pivotal role of partnerships in nurturing a thriving enterprise.

    As the evening drew to a close, awards were presented to collaborators who had journeyed hand in hand with the firm, solidifying the importance of fruitful alliances.

    In the final moments, a representative of Hamu Legal stood before the gathering, expressing gratitude and encapsulating the sentiment of the evening – a celebration of excellence, unity, and an unwavering commitment to “Do Different” in the years to come.

  • Indigenes seek govt’s intervention as oil spill ravages Akwa Ibom community

    Indigenes seek govt’s intervention as oil spill ravages Akwa Ibom community

    Indigenes of Iba Oku in Uyo Local Government of Akwa Ibom State have called for  Federal Government’s intervention over incessant oil spill, which has  ravaged their community.

    The Nation gathered that the spills, which started four days ago, have polluted the community’s river, killing fishes, destroying farmlands, economic trees and other valuables.

    One of leaders in the village, Mr. Francis Elijah, lamented the devastating impact of the spills, saying if not contained, the community could go into extinction.

    “The only source of potable water has been polluted by the spills. The adjoining communities of Nduetong Oku and Afaha Oku can face danger if urgent action is not taken by relevant authorities to clean the spills and mitigate the impact of the problem on the host communities,” he said.

    Read Also: FG looking into gas exploration, solid minerals

    He urged the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) to intervene by cleaning the spills, saying remedial measures to stop the flow should be put in place since, according to him, “there is no oil firm operating in the area for now.”

    Another resident, Comrade Solomon, a youth leader, said the community could be affected by the spills, “if urgent measures are not taken to prevent escalation.”

    He warned the people scooping crude from the river to “steer clear and stop exposing themselves to danger.”

    The village head of Iba Oku, Etteidung Mbeke, has declared the zone a no-go- area and alerted operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to cordon off the areas pending further measures by the government to address the problem.