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Tag: Niger Delta

  • Niger Delta youths hail Tinubu for resolving Rivers crisis

    Niger Delta youths hail Tinubu for resolving Rivers crisis

    Niger Delta youths have hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for resolving the political crisis that engulfed Rivers State.

    The youth, under the aegis of Niger Delta Youth Movement (NDYM), said Tinubu’s role in brokering peace in Rivers State was an indication that he was indeed a ‘father’ to all.

    In a statement signed by the NDYM National President, Prince Boboye Peretu, at the weekend, the group noted that peace was a necessity for the development of the region.

    “We appreciate Mr President, HE Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for creating and midwifing the necessary peace in Rivers State, the headquarters of our region.

    “The youth of the region under my watch shall strive to reciprocate your fatherly disposition towards us. We pledge our unalloyed loyalty to your administration,” the group said.

    Pledging to mobilise the support and loyalty of youths of the region for the current administration, NDYM said it would work for the success of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC.

    It also promised to work with government agencies, including security organisations, to ensure that the programmes and policies of the government were implemented.

    “The board and management of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) are appreciated for their continuous support and encouragement.

    “The movement shall reciprocate by resuming our traditional role as the mouthpiece of the commission in all their projects, programmes and policies as it concerns the region,” it said.

    Read Also: Soludo leads Ngige, others for father’s thanksgiving, commends Shettima

     NDYM thanked Senate President Godswill Akpabio and governors of Niger Delta states for engaging youths in governance, as well as spreading democracy dividends to their people.

    “NDYM appreciates the uncommon Senate President and Chairman of the National Assembly, Senator Godswill Akpabio – the story of your rise from grass to grace and from grace to grace is a study in perseverance, tenacity and steadfastness and it is an inspiration to us in the region. More so, we thank members of the National Assembly for their solidarity.

    “We sincerely thank Honourable (Prince) Eugene Dibiagwu, our national patron and member representing the people of Ohaji/Egbema, Ogwuta and Oru West Federal Constituency of Imo State for the regular support and encouragement.

    “We thank our Royal National Patron, the Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, Okirika, HRM King Ateke Michael Tom (The Ambassador of Peace), for his fatherly support.

    “We thank our pillar, Oba Nanka Ifeanyi (our National BOT), for his steadfast support.

    “We thank the Elders Forum Chairman, Comrade Moses Omo-Ikirodah and Comrade Stephen Youyah, Comrade Felix Ogbonna, Allen Okiakpe and others,” the group said.

  • Lord’s Taverners boost grassroots sports dev’t in Niger Delta

    Lord’s Taverners boost grassroots sports dev’t in Niger Delta

    Community Sports and Educational Development (CSED) Initiative recently took delivery of 712kg of sports kits and equipment from UK based sports recycling Charity Lord’s Taverners  as part of their effort to empower children and youths in taking part in sporting activities at the  grassroots.

    A trustee of the NGO  noted that  this is the third consignment of sport kits and equipment that Lord’s Taverners has delivered to CSED Initiative since 2019, adding   the latest consignments brings Lord’s Taverners total donation to CSED Initiative to about 1500kg.

    It would be recalled that CSED Initiative has in the past successfully distributed  donated kits and equipment to some of the projects across secondary schools and university that they currently work in partnership with including  Edo State Cricket Association, ABU Zaria cricket team, IDP Camp Uhogua, netball activities in Taraba, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Lagos and Akwa Ibom states.

    Meanwhile,  a Trustee of CSED Initiative stated that the recently donated kits and equipment by Lord’s Taverners will be freely donated to projects that support vulnerable and hard to reach children and youths at IDPs Camp Uhogua, as well as a new project that will support asylum seekers and refugees in the Ogoja area. The Ogoja sports for refugees’ project will start in 2024.

    Read Also: Shettima, Niger Delta minister bag fellowship of NSE

    The Trustees stated that CSED Initiative has recently reached an agreement with UNHCR field office in Ogoja to support asylum seekers and refugees  as well as  members of their host community in Ogoja, by delivering sports for change training programmes for teachers and students in the three separate refugees camps.

     “Apart from supporting the training of teachers in football, we will provide the children and youths with some of the free kits and equipment that we received from Lord’s Taverners,” he said.

     “Also, access to training in sports like badminton, cricket, netball, table tennis, chess, scrabble and taekwondo will be gradually introduced to P.E. teachers and selected students at the refugees’ camps and in the Ogoja community.

    “The goal is to use sports and access to quality training to promote peace and unity between the refugees and members of the Ogoja community,” he added.

  • Locally-driven approaches to peace, conflict management in Niger Delta

    Locally-driven approaches to peace, conflict management in Niger Delta

    • By David Udofia

    Data has shown that violent conflict in the Niger Delta is driven by a variety of interrelated and often overlapping factors, including historical tensions and grievances over natural resources’ allocation, leadership tussles, land disputes, cultism and a proliferation of armed groups.

    Over the years, PIND through its peacebuilding program has amplified the efforts of local peace actors by facilitating locally owned interventions and peacebuilding networks, filling knowledge gaps that hitherto held back local peace actors from taking their efforts to scale, and by providing skills, information, platforms and resources for advocacy, conflict analysis and mitigation. This has also resulted in enhancing the capacity of peace actors to respond in a more coordinated and targeted manner to the rapidly changing conflict dynamics in the region.

    PIND’s peacebuilding program plays a vital role in Chevron Nigeria Limited’s (CNL) community engagement efforts in the Niger Delta. In October 2023, PIND facilitated a peacebuilding and conflict Early Warning Response (EWER) training and engagement for CNL’s Host Community Development Trusts (HCDTs) in Delta and Ondo states. The HCDT committees nominated community members including youth and women for the peacebuilding and EWER capacity-building training In Delta state, a total of 43 participants were selected from four HCDTs including: Warri Kingdom Onshore; Ogulagha; Egbema OPUDIS; and Gbaramatu HCDTs, while 33 participants were selected from Ugboland HCDT in Ondo State. The participants were trained on various aspects of conflict management such as volunteerism, cooperation, leadership, peacebuilding, conflict analysis, conflict management styles, and conflict early warning and early response (EWER) system as a strategic tool for reporting and proactively responding to grievances and conflict issues.

    The peacebuilding and EWER capacity-building training for the CNL’s HCDTs was essential for the implementation of the HCDT component of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). Following the signing into law of the PIA in 2021, CNL dissolved its Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU) arrangement and established the HCDTs in 2021 to continue its corporate social responsibility activities through the multi-stakeholder community engagement approach. There are currently six CNL’s HCDT community clusters, each composed of community representatives responsible for identifying and implementing community development projects. The ultimate aim is to improve the relationship between CNL and its host communities, reduce communal tensions, decrease violence, and create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive. The successful implementation of the HCDTs requires operational-level conflict management support through a grassroots-based conflict EWER system that can help stakeholders to spotlight communal grievances and respond quickly in a targeted manner to prevent escalation of violence, and in the long run effectively manage the changing dynamics of conflicts in the host communities.

    Read Also: GEF, FAO, FG to transform oil palm production, others in Niger Delta

    Locally-owned and community-driven conflict management initiatives are key to achieving sustainable peace and economic growth in the Niger Delta. The direct involvement of local actors in conflict early warning and response interventions helps to prioritize the perspectives and needs of communities facing conflict by ensuring that the design and management of early warning systems are closely connected with the process of understanding what types of response mechanisms exist in their communities. The strategic engagement of community-based peace actors ensures that conflict management interventions are locally owned, address the current realities on the ground in contextually appropriate ways, promote sustainability and effectiveness of interventions, and appropriately respond to longer term peacebuilding needs and opportunities.

    Over the years, PIND through its peacebuilding program has amplified the efforts of local peace agents by facilitating locally owned interventions and peacebuilding networks in the Niger Delta. PIND is currently leveraging traditional institutions including traditional rulers and community leaders as part of efforts to empower and engage critical stakeholders in peacebuilding and conflict prevention at the community level. The ultimate aim of this approach is to ensure that conflict management interventions are locally owned and to promote the sustainability and effectiveness of interventions.

    To ensure the effective and sustainable engagement of local peace actors in managing conflict at the community level, stakeholders including civil society organizations (CSOs) must continually fill knowledge gaps that are holding back local peace actors from taking their efforts to scale, and by providing skills, information, platforms and resources for advocacy, conflict analysis and mitigation planning and implementation. This must include periodic capacity- building training to sustain the capacity of local peace actors to respond in a more coordinated and targeted manner to the rapidly changing conflict dynamics in the region.

    Over the years, PIND through its peacebuilding program has amplified the efforts of local peace agents by facilitating locally owned interventions and peacebuilding networks in the Niger Delta. PIND is currently leveraging traditional institutions including traditional rulers and community leaders as part of efforts to empower and engage critical stakeholders in peacebuilding and conflict prevention at the community level. The ultimate aim of this approach is to ensure that conflict management interventions are locally owned, and to promote sustainability and effectiveness of interventions.

  • FG’s investment in road infrastructure yields decrease in road crashes – FRSC

    FG’s investment in road infrastructure yields decrease in road crashes – FRSC

    The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) says Federal Government’s huge investment in road infrastructure and huge visibility on highways have contributed to the reduction in road traffic crashes in the country.

    The FRSC Corps Marshal, Dauda Biu, said this during a news conference on the commemoration of 2023 World Day of Remembrance of Road Traffic Crash Victims in Abuja.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event is a day set aside in November in memorial of victims of RTCs and to sympathise with their families and loved ones.

    Biu said that the event was a global one that aimd to remember the millions of citizens of the world killed and individuals injured in RTCs across the globe.

    He said that it served as a platform to acknowledge the sufferings of victims, their families, and communities affected by those tragic incidents.

    The FRSC boss said that the corps had geared up towards ensuring that RTCs, deaths and injuries were drastically reduced on Nigerian roads and all variables that contributed to those crashes were outrightly eliminated.

    This, he said, were through innovations, deployment of technology and formulation of policies, saying that the corps had been able to bring down the curve of crashes on the roads.

    Read Also: Anti, pro-Fubara lawmakers hold counter sittings as Rivers crisis deepens

    “From January to September, for instance, the corps achieved 22 per cent reduction in RTCs; 21.3 per cent reduction in injuries and 23.1 per cent reduction in number of people killed.

    “Irrespective of this great feat, the entire staff remain resolute and more than ever committed to total eradication of traffic crashes on our roads.

    “Among the notable factors responsible for these achievements is the injection of new vehicles and rapid expansion of command structure that took place, following the establishment of 39 new Area Commands, 69 Unit Commands, 1 Outpost and 2 Zebra Commands.

    “This expansion has enhanced the visibility of the Corps on the highways, as well as broadened the operational base of the corps, ” he said.

    Biu commended President Bola Tinubu for his continuous support to issues of safety on the roads through the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

    He emphasised on the theme for the year 2023 commemoration which is “Justice” and the slogan “Remember, Support, Act”, both of which he said, spoke volumes of the readiness and resolve on the part of stakeholders.

    He also said this was to reawaken the consciousness towards joining forces with the corps to bring the menace to a complete halt in Nigeria.

    The FRSC boss reiterated the commitment of the corps as the lead agency in road safety administration in the country, saying the corps would continue in steadfastness and unwavering commitment to duty.

    This is to ensure absolute sanity on the highways through effective and efficient traffic law enforcement, massive public enlightenment campaigns and advocacies.

    “We will also ensure thorough investigation into causes of crashes as a springboard for effective formulation and implementation of policies that will prevent road crashes.

    “The Corps will also ensure criminal prosecution where appropriate compensation is given to victims and their relations as part of the renewed justice system,” he said.

    A representative of the Ministry of Health, Prof. Sydney Ibeanusi, confirmed downward slide of RTCs in 2023 in Nigeria.

    Ibeanusi commended officers and sister agencies such as Fire Service, Nigeria Police among others, always available during emergencies on the roads to prevent accidents.

    He assured that the FG would continue to expend huge resources towards enhancing transportation system in Nigeria while advising motorists and drivers to always remember other road users when plying the roads.

    Representatives of sister agencies, NGOs, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), United Nations Decade of Action, pledged their support to ensure safety on the roads.

    (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

  • Niger Delta happy with Ogbuku’s leadership style, says ex-INC boss

    Niger Delta happy with Ogbuku’s leadership style, says ex-INC boss

    Former President of Ijaw National Congress (INC), Prof. Atuboyedia Obianime, has hailed the leadership style of the Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku.

    He said the region is satisfied with his approach.

    Obianime spoke in Port Harcourt yesterday while highlighting the outcome of a recent strategic meeting between Ogbuku and Niger Delta leaders.

    He said the vision of the NDDC boss, especially the ongoing ‘Operation HOPE’ and the proposed Niger Delta stakeholders conference, showed that Ogbuku was committed to a stable region. 

    He said: “It is true that the chiefs, elders and leaders of the region met with the NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Ogbuku. It is also true that we ventilated about the problems bedevilling the region. 

    Read Also: Amnesty programme trains 20 ex-Niger Delta agitators in aircraft maintenance

    “At that meeting, leaders expressed their opinions about the underdevelopment of the area, despite the large amount of money that has been pumped into the interventionist agency known as the Niger Delta Development Commission. 

    “From the response of the managing director, it was very clear that we are in a new era. He told us that hope is not lost and what we will gain at the moment with Operation HOPE. 

    “He also told us about his vision of having a Niger Delta Stakeholders Conference. Not just a conference, but a representative conference where leaders will look at the aspects of the mission and vision of the NDDC, it’s performance and to proffer solution to areas where they think things were not going well. 

    “By the time we finished the meeting with him, we were satisfied that he is the man meant for the job and he knew exactly what he was doing. We believe that with such a leadership who knows their mission and how to go about it, we are guaranteed a stable Niger Delta.”

  • Amnesty programme trains 20 ex-Niger Delta agitators in aircraft maintenance

    Amnesty programme trains 20 ex-Niger Delta agitators in aircraft maintenance

    No fewer than twenty ex-agitators from the Niger Delta have officially begun a five-week mandatory training as engineers in aircraft maintenance.

    The training is under Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP). Its Interim Administrator, Maj.-Gen. Barry Ndiomu (rtd.), made this known in a statement yesterday.

    He said the beneficiaries were part of the 75 pilots under the PAP Aviation Resuscitation Programme for ex-agitators of Niger Delta.

    The first set of 20 aircraft maintenance engineers graduated on October 31, 2023.

    Addressing the beneficiaries, the PAP boss said the launch of training for the second batch was another promise kept by his administration.

    He said the global aviation industry is expanding at a rapid pace and manpower development is being emphasised by the industry operators and regulators.

    Ndiomu said through the specialised programme, PAP had become a critical supplier of strategic manpower to the global aviation industry.

    Read Also: NSIB probes aircraft crash at Ibadan airport

    “You represent not just the future of the Niger Delta, but also the future of Nigeria and the global aviation industry

    “The PAP has provided you with all you require to succeed in this journey. What you owe us in return is excellence.”

    He further underscored the programme’s relevance in providing essential manpower to meet industry demands, while reaffirming PAP’s dedication to consistently create advanced opportunities for the career development of individuals from the Niger Delta, creating advanced opportunities for the career development of individuals from the Niger Delta, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.”

    He, however, urged the beneficiaries to excel in their endeavours and shape the future of the Niger Delta, contributing to Nigeria and the global aviation sector.

  • We adopted Tinubu’s stakeholders’ approach for Niger Delta growth, says Ogbuku

    We adopted Tinubu’s stakeholders’ approach for Niger Delta growth, says Ogbuku

    The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Samuel Ogbuku, has disclosed that the commission adopted the stakeholders’ engagement approach to developing the region in line with President Bola Tinubu’s administrative style.

    Ogbuku also assured that the commission would remain steadfast in executing its mandate of fast-tracking development for the benefit of all the ethnic nationalities in the Niger Delta region.

    Ogbuku spoke when he hosted a delegation from the Itsekiri Ethnic Nationality, led by Chief Ayiri Emami, at the NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt.

    The NDDC boss said that President Tinubu’s administration was putting emphasis on stakeholders’ engagement and that the commission had adopted that approach.

    He declared that the commission would soon organise a stakeholder’s summit to give all groups in the region the opportunity to be part of the development process.

    Ogbuku said that as part of NDDC’s engagement with stakeholders, the commission visited the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, to get his buy-in on the completion of the Omadino-Escravos Road, in Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State.

    Ogbuku in a statement signed by the commission’s director, Corporate Affairs, Pius Ughakpoteni, noted that the project, when completed, would link Warri to Escravos, the hub of oil and gas activities in Warri Kingdom.

    He stressed the importance of Warri in the economy of Delta and the country adding that the NDDC also met Chevron officials to discuss collaboration on- the Omadino-Escravos.

    He said: “We are working out the details of the partnership with them because we are committed to seeing to the completion of the project.”

    He said that the commission was open to all ethnic nationalities in the Niger Delta region in line with its mandate to serve the people and ensure sustainable development of all communities in the region.

    Ogbuku said: “We all face the same challenges. Therefore, we must all work together to address our challenges, regardless of our ethnicity. These challenges, like underdevelopment and ecological problems, bring us all together.”

    He charged the Itsekiri delegation to continue to support the NDDC in its efforts to develop the region, advising them to avoid casting aspersions on the Commission, which he said was the only agency with visible projects in many Niger Delta communities.

    In an address read on behalf of the Itsekiri delegation, by the Secretary Itsekiri Leaders of Thought, Sir. Sunny Mene, described Ogbuku as “a detribalized Niger Delta with conscientious tendencies, clear vision for the region, and a committed mission to turn our communities around in a way never before seen in the history of the commission.”

    Read Also: ‘Ogbuku dedicated to Niger Delta development’

    They said: “Our confidence is in your ability to superintend over the overall development of the region without bias or favouritism to any ethnic group, given your antecedents in the last few years.  This confidence is further reinforced by your sterling performance and activities across the region.”

    The Itsekiri group observed that some projects awarded and started by the NDDC had been abandoned or stalled.

     “These projects include but are not limited to the Koko-Ogheye-Lagos Road, Warri-Omadina-Escravos Communities Road project, the Ugborodo Community Shore protection/reclamation, and the Aladja-Ode-Itsekiri Highway, with Feeders to Ogbe-Ijaw.”

    A Prince of Warri Kingdom, Prince Yemi Emiko, regretted that the three per cent contributions from oil companies to the NDDC coffers had always been a problem because of the issue of trust.  

  • ‘Ogbuku dedicated to Niger Delta development’

    ‘Ogbuku dedicated to Niger Delta development’

    The Chairman-designate, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Mr. Chiedu Ebie, has hailed the leadership qualities of the Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, describing him as a man dedicated to the development of the region.

    He urged Niger Delta stakeholders to forge stronger bonds and collaborate to pave the way for a brighter future for the oil-rich region.

    Speaking during a reception in honour of Dr. Ogbuku by Yiba-Ama (Oruma) Community at Yiba-Ama School Field in Ogbia Local Government of Bayelsa State, the incoming NDDC chairman said the event was an endorsement of the collective commitment of ‘Niger Deltans’ to realise the full potential of the region.

    Ebie, represented as the chairman of the occasion by the Executive Director Project-designate on the NDDC board, Chief Victor Antai, said the gathering was a testament to the respect and admiration people had for Ogbuku.

    Ebie, in a statement signed by the NDDC Director, Corporate Affairs, Pius Ughakpoteni, described Ogbuku as “a true visionary and a dedicated individual, whose contributions to the development of our region are commendable.

    He said: “We are privileged to have him as the MD/CEO of the NDDC, a position that reflects his commitment to fostering growth and prosperity in the Niger Delta.

    “We celebrate Chief Ogbuku not only for his personal achievements, but also for his dedication to the betterment of our region. Through his visionary leadership, we have witnessed tremendous strides in infrastructure development, community empowerment and sustainable growth.”

    Read Also: Preps begin for 2024 Niger Delta Polo Festival

    In a welcome address read by the Secretary of the Planning Committee, Chief Ishmael Emein, the Yiba-Ama Community lauded the efforts of Ogbuku in transforming the Niger Delta.

    They said: “The Yiba-Ama community, his maternal home, has honoured him with a chieftaincy title, Ama Tondi 1 of Tugbeni (Oruma) Land, meaning the one that lightens the community. “Surprisingly, just after his appointment as the MD of the NDDC, solar light is now shining in almost every community. This is a man with an open heart who loves the region.

    “We reiterate our implicit confidence in the capability and ability of our son, Chief Ogbuku, to perform his duties efficiently, effectively and creditably. He has a track record in public service. If we add this to his youthfulness, energy, vibrancy and his high sense of reasoning, then we present to you not only a competent and consummate personality, but also an amiable and considerate individual.”

    Conferring the traditional title of Ama Tondi 1 of Tugbeni on Ogbuku, the Paramount Ruler of Oruma Community, King Pere David Amakiri, described Ogbuku’s leadership in NDDC as impactful and exceptional.

    He commended him for demonstrating zeal and determination in driving the process of development.

    Ogbuku said the honour done to him was an expression of appreciation by his people and a mandate for him to do more in developing the Niger Delta.

    He said: “I have been recognised as an ambassador of my people. I am happy that members of the NDDC board are here with me because we have decided to work as a team. The new board is made up of highly experienced people from diverse fields. Collectively, we will facilitate the urgent development of the Niger Delta. I can assure you that this team is committed to the transformation of the Niger Delta.”

    Ogbuku thanked the people of Yiba-Ama Community for recognising his contributions and honouring him, saying Yiba-Ama, his mother’s community, had always identified with him even during his political travails.

    The Deputy Chairman, Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, Oba Francis Olushola Aloa, said the Yiba-Ama community was blessed to have Chief Ogbuku as their son.

    He said: “He is a visionary and a go-getter. You have a great son to be proud of.”

    The king, who praised Ogbuku’s achievements so far in the infrastructural development of the Niger Delta, had joined him and some members of the commission’s incoming board to inspect the newly built Ologi Community Internal Road, in Oruma community.

    The rigid pavement road, with concrete drains and solar-powered street lights, complements the 23.5-kilometre Otuasega-Obedum-Emelego regional road and bridges, also being built by the commission to connect communities in Bayelsa, Rivers states

  • Preps begin for 2024 Niger Delta Polo Festival

    Preps begin for 2024 Niger Delta Polo Festival

    • Agbodjan, Kollere head committees

    Preparations for the 2024 edition of the biggest polo festival in the Niger Delta region is already underway as Port Harcourt Polo Club  named top  players and administrators into  various committees with a mandate to deliver a most memorable festival.

    The Main Tournament Committee of the prestigious polo carnival is headed by Prince Henry Agbodjan, while Abubakar Kollere and Dr. Ikenna Nebolisa were picked as Tournament Manager and Assistant Tournament Manager respectively.

    Other members of the seven-man main committee include Fineman Olungwe who will function as the Secretary, while the Polo Captain, Alabo Harry, Victor Ojum and Kester Buzugbe complete the list.

    President of Port Harcourt Polo Club, Ebi Diriyai confirmed that other equally capable members have been appointed to the various committees have since been working hard to ensure a befitting polo festival that is billed to gallop off from January14, 2024 at the foremost GRA Polo Ground in the Garden City,

    He disclosed that Prince Agbodjan is the Chairman of the Finance/ Fund Raising Committee that has Bolaji Oshobukolaas Alternate Chairperson, former President, Shehu Bob-Manuel, Otti Ikechukwu Dave Okarevu, Kalada Jack, Omuso Abbey, Victor Ojum, and Robert Omole as members.

    The Polo Committee is headed by the Captain, Alabo Hary with Dr. Ikenna Nebolisa, former captains, Tella Atoni, Cassiel Irimagha, Captain, Iyene Amapakabo and Davis Sikpa as members. Other committees include the medical, security, publicity, and accommodation, among others.

    Read Also: Goalkeeper Udoh gets rave reviews with Maltese Mosta

    Diriyai, who would be presiding over the fiesta as the new boss , has made a solemn pledge to build on the successes of previous tournaments with an added exciting innovation that    take Port Harcourt Polo Club to greater heights as the premier polo club in Niger Delta region.

    Former Vice President who received the mandate of members to lead the new management committee after the expiration of the Chukwudi Dimkpa-led committee is confident that Rivers State will still remain the flagship of sports tourism in the south-South geopolitical region.

     “My task, my mission, my commitment to my club and the Nigerian Polo Association is to lead it to the achievement of all of the opportunities that we have and to promote the game and reposition the Nigerian polo globally,” he said.

    He maintained that the 2024 Port Harcourt polo Tournament would be the most exciting in years as the President; he has all the required experience and capacity to deliver and urged all members to rally the management committee for a successful festival next January.

    Last January, the prestigious 2023 Port Harcourt Polo Tournament ended with a thrilling climax last weekend with home teams led by Strata base, Wiltten Aviation, Bob Tract and Sidefeco Ventures and the Navy and sweeping top laurels.

    After seven days of bumper polo actions pitting top teams with all the big names in the noble game of kings and professionals from Europe, Port Harcourt Bob Track and Strata Base Group teams emerged winners and runners-up champions, carting home the event’s biggest laurel, the King Diette-Spiff Cup and the General Hassan Katsina Cups respectively.

    As the biggest sporting festival in the oil rich Niger Delta region, the polo fiesta lived up to its cutting-edge thrills and excitements, with The Nigerian Navy successfully defending the T.Y Danjuma Cup, while David Sikpa’s Sidefeco Ventures team left the loudest roar, finishing runners-up.

  • Edo APC, Senator Oyofo, monarch rally support for Niger Delta Minister

    Edo APC, Senator Oyofo, monarch rally support for Niger Delta Minister

    The Edo chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Victor Kassim Isa Oyofo, who was elected under the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for Edo North in 1999 and His Royal Highness Mallam Ali Suleiman, the Ogieaga of 3 Ibie, have solicited support for the Minister of Niger Delta Development Abubakar Momoh. 

    At a reception held in honor of the Minister, the Chairman of Edo APC Col. David Imuse, who was represented by the Deputy Chairman, Emperor Jarret Tenebe, expressed admiration and support for the Minister  

    He said: ‘Today, we bear witness to the fruits of hard work, guided by the values instilled by our leader and father, Senator Adams Oshiomhole. On behalf of Edo State APC and everyone gathered here, I extend heartfelt congratulations to the Honorable Minister and ask that we all give him all the support he needs to succeed in this assignment for our region’. 

    Senator Oyofo conveyed his goodwill message saying, ‘We gather here not only to celebrate an achievement, but to honor resilience and dedication. Alh. Abubakar Momoh epitomizes integrity and diligence—a true representative of Edo State. His appointment reflects recognition of his principles, honesty, and profound education. In my estimation, he is poised to serve Nigeria with distinction. This appointment is not just deserved, but destined.’

    Oyofo, who played a key role in the establishment of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), said: ‘Today, our son takes the helm to elevate the region to new heights, fostering prosperity in the Niger Delta. The path ahead may be intricate, but together, we can overcome the challenges before us. Let us offer our support, contribute ideas, and nurture his journey toward success.’

    Oyofo continued: “Abubakar Momoh is an exceedingly inclusive individual. He’s a worthy son of Edo State, known for his principles—honest, industrious, well-educated, and, in my view, he possesses the ability to serve Nigeria adeptly. This appointment stands as one that is both well-earned and well-deserved.’

    Highlighting the significance of the appointment, Oyofo added, ‘This is an opportunity for him to unify the people of Niger Delta. By divine design, I was instrumental in the establishment of the NDDC, and remarkably, it is one of our own who will propel it forward, bringing joy to the Niger Delta populace.’

    ‘Niger Delta presents a complex landscape, and I urge all of us to provide progressive ideas and fervent prayers in support. Among us are Rt. Hon. Tunde Akogun and Senator Yisa Braimoh—we have come to offer unwavering support and earnest prayers. We shall stand by you day and night, ready to provide counsel when needed. I salute my indefatigable brother, Adams Oshiomhole. With Adams and Abubakar Momoh, we shall achieve much for Edo State and Nigeria.’

    His Royal Highness, Mallam Ali Suleiman, the Ogieaga of 3 Ibie, extended gratitude, saying, ‘We express our thanks to the president and Adams Oshiomhole for this appointment. As we commemorate this day, let us remember that unity holds the key to success. Let us rally behind Abubakar Momoh and ensure his endeavors thrive.’

    Read Also: Arewa think tank tackles Niger Delta group over planned protest in Abuja

    Continuing, the Monarch stated, ‘We wish to deeply thank God for this appointment. We extend gratitude to the president and Adams Oshiomhole for making this possible. God has utilized Oshiomhole to bring us into the limelight. May God continue to use him beneficially, not only for Nigeria but beyond its borders.’”

    ‘When it comes to Abubakar Momoh, we could speak endlessly. He has endured challenges, yet he remains resolute in his direction. Eng. Momoh is one of our sons who God has used to uplift our people. He has weathered storms, and today, I thank God that he is alive, robust, and prepared to reap the rewards of his dedication, sacrifices, and service to our people’s cause.’”

    The Monarch’s appeal resonated, “I urge everyone gathered here to join hands in ensuring the success of every endeavor entrusted to us. This can be achieved by supporting Abubakar Momoh in achieving resounding success in this ministry. Just as Oshiomhole is a household name in Edo state for his contributions to our people, Abubakar Momoh should experience similar triumph. He possesses all the qualifications, capable of achieving the extraordinary. My appreciation to everyone present today; gratitude extends to President Bola Tinubu for recognizing his worthiness for this role. We implore all of you to aid us in supporting him for the betterment of the Niger Delta.’