The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southeast report

  • NNS Delta attributes reduced oil theft to personnel’s efforts

    NNS Delta attributes reduced oil theft to personnel’s efforts

    The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta has attributed reduction in crude oil theft and other maritime crime within its areas of operation (AOO) to the collective efforts of its personnel.

    Speaking at a farewell parade organised in his honour at the Warri Naval Base, outgone Commander of the NNS Delta, Commodore Chindo Yahaya, said despite the challenges during his tenure, achievements, which included destruction of illegal refining sites and arrest of sea robbers, were recorded.

    Yahaya assumed office on May 2, 2023, as the 13th Commander of the NNS Delta.

    He said NNS Delta also participated in clearance operations and exercises, in line with the base’s mandate of securing the maritime environment to enhance economic activities.

    “I am happy to inform you that our collective efforts and commitment have brought about commendable reduction in crude oil theft and other maritime crime.

    “The base anti-crude oil theft operations have recorded success in the destruction of illegal refining sites in our areas of operations.

    “During the period under review, the base destroyed illegal refining sites and storage facilities containing stolen crude oil and illegally-refined Automated Gasoline Oil (AGO).

    “Furthermore, between May 2023 to date, the base patrolled for about 21,630 hours, resulting in the deactivation of illegal refining sites and handling of stolen crude oil,” he stated.

    Yahaya said the anti-crude oil theft unit of the base apprehended suspects with offences bordering on crude oil theft and improper documentations, adding that some vessels were also apprehended and consequently handed over to the anti-graft agency and other relevant authorities for prosecution.

    He said deployment of swamp buggies had discouraged the operations of illegal bunkering in its areas of operations.

    “The last swamp buggy operations we conducted between August 20 and September 23, 2023 recorded about 105,000 litres of stolen crude oil and 18,000 litres of illegally-refined AGO.

    “This is indeed a testament to the laudable performance of this base in the period under review.

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    “For this, I am grateful to the dedication and commitment of officers and ratings of the base. I urge you to extend same and even more to the incoming commander,” he said.

    The outgone commander expressed gratitude to the Delta State Government,  military and para-military agencies within the NNS Delta areas of operations for their support throughout his stay, noting that the inter-agency cooperation and synergy had sustained peace in the area.

    The incoming Commander, Commodore Muhsin Abba, urged NNS Delta personnel to discharge their duties in accordance with the mandate of the Navy.

    “They should be disciplined, obedient, loyal and should not collaborate with anybody that undermines the economic activities of the country.

    “As you know, oil is the mainstay of our economy and anything that will impede the production of oil within our areas of operations is going to be stopped. We will ensure the mandate is pursued to the best of our ability,” Abba said.

    The ceremony featured the signing of handover note, lowering/hoisting of pennant, presentation of unit flag and inauguration of car park at the base.

  • Enugu orders fresh election in community

    Enugu orders fresh election in community

    Enugu State Government has ordered fresh election for the Igweship throne of Akama Oghe community in Ezeagu Local Government.

    The Igweship stool of Akama Oghe community is being contested by Ozo Christian Akpata and Onyeka Ofodile, who have been laying claims as the authentic Igwe-elect for the throne.

    The matter also generated litigations in court, thereby stalling any possibility of crowning any particular individual as the Igwe Dimeze IV of Akama Oghe.

    But, addressing the warring camps and stakeholders of the community to resolve the lingering chieftaincy tussle in the community, Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Deacon Okey Ogbodo, announced the cancellation of the elections or selections of the two contenders, noting that the state government did not witness whatever happened in the past in the name of Igweship election.

    The commissioner ordered that all matters relating to the Igweship tussle be withdrawn from the courts, to enable the town union organise an election that would be monitored by the government and acceptable to all parties.

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    He said Governor Peter Mbah was committed to ending the crisis rocking the community and many others, with similar crisis over vacant royal throne and town union leadership.

    “We decided to call the stakeholders of Akama Oghe to have understanding among ourselves. We believe this will end up uniting Akama Oghe.

    “Governor Mbah is interested in restoring peace to communities to help him solve our insecurity problems resulting from herdsmen attacks, because without a united community leadership, our communities will be porous security wise.

    “It’s important that the town union and Igweship elections are monitored by the government.

    “For this reason, I will beg you two things: first is that you will withdraw all litigations if you want peace and progress of Akama Oghe. Igweship throne should not be a do or die affair. Court judgments do not guarantee peace in the community. Even any judgment by a third party doesn’t guarantee peace. It’s only the spirit of give and take that will guarantee you peace and this is what is needed at Akama Oghe.

    “Second, the only option left for us is for fresh election to be organised for you to choose who becomes your next Igwe,” Ogbodo said.

  • Stop spreading lies against Fubara, Rivers PDP warns APC

    Stop spreading lies against Fubara, Rivers PDP warns APC

    Rivers State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has warned the Caretaker Committee Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Chief  Tony  Okocha, to stop spreading lies against Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

    PDP in a statement yesterday by its Publicity Secretary, Sydney Gbara, told Okocha that Rivers people were satisfied with the performance of Fubara because the governor was meeting the yearnings and aspirations of the people.

    Gbara said: “Fubara is a household name in the state due to the commitment he has shown in bringing development, good governance and happiness to the people.

    “In less than six months in office, Governor Fubara has embarked on a number of people-oriented projects cutting across the length and breadth of the state.

    “Among the projects ongoing in the state are the multimillion naira Port Harcourt Ring Road, a major project that will cut through six local governments, thereby easing movement of commerce and improving economic activities in the state. The Elelenwo and Bori internal roads, the Ogoni- Andoni-Opobo/ Nkoro Unity road, among several others.”

    Gbara said Fubara’s administration, in partnership with a real estate developer, was embarking on the building of 20,000 housing units for low income earners.

    He said: “Such a government that is delivering services for the people of Rivers State cannot be referred to as lacking in governance. Chief Okocha is only trying in futility to downplay or whittle down the excellent performance of the Fubara administration.

    “The governor had proactively put measures in place to better the lives of Rivers people in the face of the current economic hardship and hunger experienced in the country,  which Rivers State Government is not responsible for.

    “To boost food production, Sir Fubara had paid an inspection visit to the abandoned Songai farm in Tai Local Government, Buguma fish farm in Asalga Council, Garri processing factory in Oyigbo Local Government, with a view to revamping and putting them to use to ensure food sufficiency.

    “Governor Fubara also revived Rivers State Micro Finance Agency, released N4billion to the agency as loans to Rivers people interested in pursuing micro, small and medium scale businesses.

    “What about the payment of N100,000  to each civil servant, promotion of civil servants who were not promoted for eight years by the previous administration and other largesse to Rivers people during the Christmas celebration? Implementation of N30,000 minimum wage to local government workers, plus the ongoing employment into the Rivers State Civil Service.”

    Gbara said the PDP was amazed that Okocha was angry at Rivers women for staging a protest to drum up support for the governor and express their displeasure about the needless antagonism towards Fubara’s administration by enemies of the state.

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    He said: “Okocha should be reminded that women protesting half-clad happens all over the world and is a recurring decimal in politics. In 2019, Okrika and Kalabari women protested half-clad to protect the votes of the former governor from being hijacked by the Army.

    “What every responsible Rivers man and woman should be concerned about is the message the women came out to convey and how to address it. In the mist of these uncommon achievements by this administration within this period, only a politically blind and deaf person that has been bitten by the bug of ignorance and insensitivity will come out to criticise it.

    “We advise the NNDC representative once again to concentrate on his job or to always cross check facts before coming out to embarrass himself in the media.

    “PDP restates its confidence in Rivers people to stand firm with Governor Fubara, who has shown enough capacity and competence to give them purposeful leadership.”

  • Court dismisses police objection against Fubara’s CoS

    Court dismisses police objection against Fubara’s CoS

    Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has dismissed preliminary objection by the Nigeria Police, challenging its jurisdiction to hear the fundamental rights’ suit filed by Edison Ehie, the Chief of Staff (CoS) to Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

    The court told the counsel for the police, Celestine Dickson, that his preliminary objection lacked merit.

    The presiding judge, Justice Sika Aprioku, in his ruling, assumed jurisdiction of the matter and held that the none joinder of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) in a matter that the Commissioner of Police was a party to, could not render the suit incompetent.

    The judge said the application by the police lacked merit and dismissed it with a cost of N100,000 in favour of Ehie.

    Aprioku also granted the prayers of Ehie’s lawyer, Damian Okoro, restraining the police from arresting, detaining, harassing or inviting Ehie based on the allegations contained in the suit filed by Martin Amaewhule, linking the Chief of Staff to the destruction of the hallowed chambers of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

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    The judge said: “The preliminary objection raised on the issue of jurisdiction lacks merit and is hereby dismissed.

    “That a declaration be and is hereby granted restraining the respondents howsoever from arresting the applicant based on the trumped up charge in charge number FHR/A BJ/CR/25/2024 used as a tool to settle political scores and vendetta against the applicant at the behest and instigation of Martins Amaewhule, over the burning and destruction of the hallowed chamber of the Rivers State House of Assembly is illegal, unwarranted, unconstitutional and constitutes an infringement against applicant’s fundamental rights.

    “An order of injunction be and is hereby granted restraining the first and second respondents whether by themselves or through their subordinates, agents, privies, or any person howsoever described from inviting, demanding the applicant’s attendance at the first and second respondents’ offices or anywhere harassing, intimidating, arresting, detaining the applicant in connection with the arson on the Rivers State House of Assembly in gross contravention to the applicant’s rights to personal liberty.”

  • Ijaw youths threaten protest against  cement price hike

    Ijaw youths threaten protest against  cement price hike

    • Urge Fed Govt to address cost of living crisis

    The umbrella body of Ijaw youths, Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) Worldwide, has decried high cost of cement, saying the situation has further unleashed more sufferings on Nigerians.

    In a statement yesterday by spokesman Binebai Princewill, the group promised to head for a showdown with cement producers over hike in the price of cement across the country.

    Princewill said before now, some cement brands manufactured in Port Harcourt, Rivers State in the Niger Delta, were doing well and far cheaper, but some producers with monopolistic tendencies used their connections with the government to drive them out of the Niger Delta market, thus making lives more difficult for the people.

    The spokesman claimed that the ‘political monopolisation’ of the cement industry in favour of some producers was a problem good spirited Nigerians must deal with.

    He said: “We cannot continue to bear the brunt of a system not interested in the development and progress of the Ijaw and Niger Delta people.

    “It is on this premise that IYC will be taking action against cement manufacturers in the coming days.“

    “We reiterate that this statement should be seen as a warning, as it is not going to be business as usual. We cannot continue to be peaceful when life is unbearable to our people and the government is appearing to be insensitive to the plight of the masses. There is going to be dire consequences if things continue like this.”

    The IYC spokesman urged the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Federal Government to ameliorate the deteriorating conditions of living faced by the Ijaw and Nigerians in general.

    He said after consultations with stakeholders in the Niger Delta over the current cost of living crisis, Ijaw youths might be forced to embark on ‘mother of all protests’ against the government if the biting inflation and hunger were not well addressed.

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    Princewill said: “We are using this medium to inform our few Ijaw sons in the Tinubu cabinet that they should not be surprised to see thousands of Ijaw people storming the streets in demand for a better living condition for our people since they are appearing to be insensitive to the plight of our people.

    “It should be noted that when the protest will start, there will be no sacred cows and they cannot claim not to be aware.

    “Government has really pushed the Ijaw to the wall from the surreptitious sale of Nigerian Agip Oil Company, to another oil company,  the political manipulation of the Ijaw people, the wiping out of  Ijaw sons and daughters from holding key offices in the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), attempted sale of onshore assets of Shell without giving our people the right of first refusal, the non-clean-up of our environment before their purported divestment and the continued refusal of the Federal Government and IOCs to relocate their headquarters to their bases in the Niger Delta.

    “We are equally uncomfortable with the rising cost of living in Nigeria, the free fall of the Naira against the US Dollar, hike in pump price of fuel and abnormal prices of commodities at markets.”

  • Akwa Ibom settles 84-year-old land dispute

    Akwa Ibom settles 84-year-old land dispute

    Akwa Ibom State Government has settled an 84-year-old land tussle between Ikot Itie Idung/Ikot Edong in Nsit Atai Local Government and Ekpene Ukim in Uruan Council.

    A ceremonial tree planting exercise signalling the end of the dispute, which reportedly began in 1940, was held to demarcate the boundaries between the communities.

    Speaking at the event, the Deputy Governor and Chairman of the state Boundary Committee, Sen. Akon Eyakenyi, hailed stakeholders from the communities for their decision to embrace peace, noting that the Governor Umo Eno administration remained committed to ensuring peace.

    Describing Nsit Atai and Uruan as key local governments in the development of the state, the deputy governor said the peace deal would create room for economic development and youth employment in the two councils.

    Sen. Eyakenyi acknowledged the roles played by the transition chairmen, paramount rulers, village heads, youth leaders and other stakeholders from Uruan and Nsit Atai local governments in ending the age-long boundary dispute.

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    She described the trees as potential revenue sources for the communities, saying the road, which showed the demarcation between both councils, would be properly tarred, while the land would be utilised for agricultural purposes by the government.

    The member representing Nsit Atai State Constituency, Prince Aniefiok Attah and his Uruan counterpart, Dr. Itoro Etim, thanked the chairman and members of the State Boundary Committee for being alive to their responsibilities.

    The Transition Chairman, Uruan Local Government, Iniobong Ekpenyong, a surveyor: and that of Nsit Atai, Emem Ibanga, were grateful to the state government for ending the land crisis, which they noted led to loss of lives and property.

  • Ex-agitators’ leaders hail reforms in PAP

    Ex-agitators’ leaders hail reforms in PAP

    Leaders of ex-agitators have hailed reforms in the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), implemented by the Interim Administrator, Maj.-Gen. Barry Ndiomu (Rtd).

    Speaking in Calabar, Cross River State, during an interactive session facilitated by the PAP office for leaders of PAP Phase Two, the leaders bared their minds on the programme and called for sustained implementation of the scholarship initiative, as well as the recently initiated cooperative programme.

    Ibena Rufus, a beneficiary of PAP Phase Two and spokesman for ex-agitators’ leaders’ forum, noted that  PAP had made a lot of progress under the tenure of Ndiomu.

    He said the area that gave previous administrators of PAP challenge was reintegration, which the current interim administrator had addressed.

    Ibena recalled that PAP started with disarmament and demobilisation, which were successful, but ran into issues when it got to the reintegration aspect.

    “The previous administrator could not tackle issues of reintegration, but the current administrator has demonstrated capacity to tackle it.”

    He praised the interim administrators for restructuring the programme and taking it back to the people.

    Olutu Wanemi, the chairman of PAP Phase Two, said none of the PAP administrators thought of empowering the entire 30,000 beneficiaries of the programme before the coming of the present interim administrator.

    He said the cooperative initiative introduced by the interim administrator is a welcome development.

    Wanemi said: “None of the leaders had thought of empowering the entire 30,000 beneficiaries, but we were shocked when the interim administrator came on board and introduced cooperative scheme to accommodate everybody.

    “This is a welcome development for the beneficiaries and the right thing to be done. I appeal that the interim administrator should be reappointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

    Corinne Hart, another delegate at the meeting, said with the reforms in place, things are getting better.  “Within the past year, over 80 per cent of the issues in the programme have been addressed. This is reflected in the relative peace in the region.

    “The amnesty programme was not really working for many leaders, but recently with our brother there, we are beginning to feel the impact of the programme.

    “Almost eighty per cent of the issues in the office have been handled by the current interim administrator and he has been harmonising the leaders, talking with them and doing necessary things that should be done,” he said.

    Major Marshall Akpor, the agency liaison 0fficer, who represented the interim administrator, said the essence of the programme was to interact and discuss with the delegates.

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    He said PAP wants to hear from the delegates, in order to get their feedback and improve the programme.

    He disclosed that the Presidential Amnesty Cooperative Society Ltd is aimed at giving an alternative livelihood to the ex-agitators.

    “Also the platform created for scholarships is aimed at ensuring that only real delegates benefit from the scheme.”

    The Head of the Reintegration Programme of PAP, Mr. Wilfred Musa, said under the PAP scholarship scheme, over 10,000 people had benefited since its inception and there was a monitoring and follow-up initiative on beneficiaries.

    “So far a good number have graduated and have taken jobs in places.”

  • Sylva, APC close petition against Diri after calling 52 witnesses

    Sylva, APC close petition against Diri after calling 52 witnesses

    All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidate in the November 2023 Governorship Election in Bayelsa State, Timipre Sylva, have formally closed their petition challenging the declaration of Governor Douye Diri as winner of the election.

    Sylva, who was present at yesterday’s proceedings and the APC, closed their case after calling 52 witnesses to testify to substantiate their allegations against the conduct and the declaration of results in the November 11 governorship election.

    During the day’s proceedings, one of the witnesses, a former Commissioner of Police in Bayelsa State, Akeem Alausa, testified in favour of the petitioners and tendered several exhibits to support his testimony.

    During cross-examination, the witness admitted that his role during the election was seen as controversial and that several protests were held for and against his further stay as police commissioner in the state.

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    He also denied ever working for Sylva and he tendered a list of policemen that were stationed at polling units on election day.

    He also admitted that although 16 political parties participated in the governorship election, he did not make any witness statement on oath for 15 other parties except the APC and that his evidence was based on Nembe, Ogbia and Southern-Ijaw local governments where election results are being challenged.

    The Chairman of the tribunal, Justice Adekunle Adeleye, subsequently adjourned the case to March 4 for the defendants to open their defence.

  • Report lists top performing Ministers in Tinubu’s administration

    Report lists top performing Ministers in Tinubu’s administration

    The Economic Confidential has released a list of ministers it identified as the “top 12 performers” in the President Bola Tinubu administration.

    The publication, after reviewing the actions of the current Federal Executive Council (FEC) members, highlighted their efforts and achievements since assumption of office in August 2023.

    At the swearing-in, President Tinubu announced that Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) would be deployed to assess the impact of the ministers and their ministries.

    “Some Ministers have shown competence in their respective duties. Beyond pragmatic initiatives and impactful programmes, the performing ministers also deploy effective media relations and strategic stakeholder engagements,” the report noted.

    Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike is in the list for establishing the FCT Civil Service Commission to guarantee career progression, ordering contractors to complete ongoing road, rail and township projects, and prioritising security measures, revenue generation, as well as the original Abuja master plan.

    Minister of Finance and Economy, Wale Edun is included for reforms to revamp the economy such as removing fuel subsidies worth over N400bn monthly, spearheading alternative ways for generate more revenues, and expanding the scope of direct cash transfer schemes to millions of more households across the country.

    Health and Social Welfare Minister, Prof. Muhammed Ali Pate: For attracting development partners to support Nigeria’s healthcare, introducing the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine into national immunisation, launching the Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS) to improve maternal health, and facilitating $1 billion MoU towards the elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs).

    Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo made the list for clearing a backlog of over 200,000 international passports within a few weeks of his appointment, implementing automation of the passport application process, and facilitating the E-gates system at airports to reduce passengers’ physical contact with immigration officers.

    Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Malagi: Recognised for regular press briefings on governance, decorum during interactions and comments, engagements with stakeholders to address burning issues, and unification of the National Value Charter which provides guidelines on citizens’ rights and government’s expectations.

    The report acknowledged the plans by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola to generate $20 billion from the global blue economy worth $1.5 trillion annually, create two million jobs every year through marine activities, and support stakeholders within the maritime sector.

    Minister of Women Affairs, Ohanenye Uju Kennedy is in the list for championing the fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) through criminal justice system reform, inclusion of women in peace-building processes, and hosting of capacity-building activities under the Women Economic Empowerment (WEE) programme.

    Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake: For decisive actions including license revocation, spearheading enhanced security measures, launching revised guidelines for community development agreements (CDA) to protect citizens near mining operations, and signing a MOU on technology capable of exploring mineral resources up to 10,000 metres below earth’s surface.

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    Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Doris Uzoka-Anite made the list for securing about $30 billion in foreign investment commitments in less than six months and facilitating bilateral agreements with Germany and the United Kingdom for artisan licensing skills to enhance the employability of youths.

    Minister of Works, David Umahi: For warning contractors to meet the required standard within stipulated periods, forming a team of retired security personnel to protect construction sites and workers, and approving the use of concrete in most carriageways as it offers superior durability and less maintenance compared to asphalt.

    Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo is credited with prioritising strict compliance with safety regulations for efficient air travel, upgrading of airports, runways, other aviation facilities and services, and improving capacity development to ensure professionals receive adequate training and support.

    Minister of Communications, Innovations and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani is in the list for launching the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT), through NITDA, to develop 3 million techies by 2025, and attracting investors for projects such as the laying of approximately $2 billion fibre infrastructure across Nigeria.

  • NDDC under Ogbuku’s watch on track to lift Niger Delta, says Dickson 

    NDDC under Ogbuku’s watch on track to lift Niger Delta, says Dickson 

    Former Bayelsa State governor, now the senator representing Bayelsa West, Seriake Dickson, has urged Niger Delta states to partner Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), to fast-track the developmental processes of the region.

    He gave the advice at the weekend at Ayakoro community in Ogbia Local Government of Bayelsa State, hometown of the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD/CEO) of the NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, during the 2024 edition of the community’s annual cultural celebration, ‘Eyal Obein’.

    Dickson hailed the community for the preservation of their cultural heritage, saying people without culture were likened to one without history.

    The ex-governor, who also lauded the NDDC MD on the achievements of the commission under his stewardship, said he was impressed with the performance of the intervention agency under the leadership of Ogbuku.

    He noted that the NDDC MD and his team had demonstrated capacity and love for the region in terms of projects execution and policies implementation.

    The Ayakoro community’s ‘Eyal Obein’ is an age-long cultural festival held annually to commemorate the relocation of the community from their old settlement to their current abode due to devastating erosion.

    The 2024 edition makes it 66 years since the community began the commemoration of the event.

    Dickson said: “The NDDC under the stewardship of Dr. Ogbuku is doing well. Ogbuku and his team are carrying out the mandate of the NDDC well.

    “I want to thank Ogbuku for remembering that he came from a place. The projects I’ve seen in this community and other parts of the Niger Delta, including my home town, especially the solar powered lights and others, show that Ogbuku knows where he came from. It shows that he’s linked with his people at home.”

    Speaking to reporters after the event, Ogbuku said the commission under his stewardship was re-committed to ensuring that projects awarded and executed by the commission had impact on their benefiting communities.

    He said the era of stalled projects was over in the NDDC, noting, however, that the commission would no longer condone a habit whereby some communities acted as encumbrances to contractors handling NDDC projects in their domain.

    He said contracts awarded to communities, which impeded their peaceful execution, might be relocated, adding that no place could develop in the absence of peace and cooperation.

    Ogbuku stated: “Ayakoro is a very peaceful community. Here, projects are flourishing. There’s never been any encumbrance to any project awarded here. My advice to communities is that they should be peaceful and cooperate with contractors executing projects in their domain.

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    “A situation where communities impose all sort of conditions on contractors executing projects in their communities will no longer be accepted. However, we’ll also not allow contractors to exploit communities when executing their projects. In the event that there are unnecessary encumbrances from communities on the execution of projects in their domain, then it’s clear that such a community does not want the project, and so the NDDC may be forced to relocate projects like that.”

    Guest of Honour and Permanent Secretary, Bayelsa State Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Mrs. Koroye Enebimere, promised government’s continuous support for cultural celebration to grow the tourism and hospitality sectors of the state.

    The paramount ruler of the community, HRH Righteous Inegbagha, gave a brief history of the cultural festival.

    He commended the founding fathers and the present generation of the community for their resilience and dedication to the growth and development of the community.