Niger Delta

‘Don’t Politicise Health Programmes’

Published

16 years ago

May 6, 2010

Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has appealed to Deltans not to politicise the state’s free maternal care programme as it could give women unprecedented access to qualitative maternal care.

Dr. Uduaghan who was speaking while commissioning the 2008 MDGS/CGS projects said the free maternal care programme will guarantee the delivery of healthy children in the state.

He explained that the MDGS/CGS projects would support the free maternal care health programme and ensure that the future of children were not marred by the misery of avoidable congenital conditions.

The governor said his administration initiated the free maternal care because of the less privileged women who sometimes suffer and loose their babies because of their inability to foot medical bills.

Dr. Uduaghan who explained that the programme would give pregnant women and nursing mothers healthy future called on Deltans not to toy with it.

Speaking further he said “the MDG programme has stepped up in the state and it will greatly assist our free maternal health care and pregnant women will not suffer unjustly”.

The governor appealed to the communities where the MDGS projects are located to ensure a culture of peace and general security so that the programme would succeed.

Dr. Uduaghan also directed ministries that have institutional responsibilities for the sub sectors to maintain the projects and keep them functioning always.

He promised to continue to meet up the state government counterpart funding even as he gave the assurance that he would take all the programmes seriously.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on MDGS Hajiya Amina AS Zuberu said the programme can only thrive when the Federal, State and Local governments pool resources together.

Hajiya Zuberu who said challenges in the programme are enormous urged local governments to demonstrate utmost sincerity in the programme.

Praying for sincere partnership she said no level of government could do it alone.

The Senior Special Assistant commended Delta State government for the success recorded so far in the programme.

Hajiya Zuberu said there were concrete projects on ground to demonstrate the state government’s seriousness on the programme.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on MDG Dr . Austin Obidi said the state government has made its mark on the MDG programme.

Dr. Obidi who said the taste of the pudding was in eating described the state government’s achievement in the programme as enormous.

He disclosed that the state government has met the counterpart funding and promised to ensure adequate utilization of the projects.

Highlight of the ceremony was the inspection of the products of the programme by the governor and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on MDG.

Niger Delta

Otu Recommits To Support For Navy

Published

3 days ago

March 23, 2026

The Tide

Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has said his administration will continue to collaborate with the navy for effective protection of the waterways.

Otu stated this when the Commandant, Nigeria Navy Ship (NNS) Victory, Commodore Shuaib Ahmed, visited him in Calabar.

The Governor described the visit as critical to consolidating the partnership between Cross River State and the navy.

“Peace and stability remain non-negotiable prerequisites for the progress of the state.

“So, this visit reaffirms our shared resolve to keep the state safe and secured through sustained collaboration,” he said.

Otu stated that security remained the foundation for meaningful development in every society.

“No society prospers in the midst of insecurity. As a state, our development vision depends on peace, order and collective vigilance,” he said.

The Governor commended the Navy for the level of professionalism being exuded by its personnel in the discharge of their duties.

He said the Navy’s efforts had hugely boosted investor confidence and strengthened the state’s economic environment.

The Governor assured the Navy of the state government’s continued support towards enhanced operation.

Earlier, Ahmed explained that the visit followed the military tradition of familiarizing with authorities upon assumption of duties.

He stated that it was crucial to align naval operations with the strategic priorities of the state government.

The naval chief thanked the state government for its support to the force, saying, “your support has helped us immensely in achieving targets”

The Commandant further said there was need to strengthen infrastructure and communication systems in order to address evolving security challenges.

“Operationalising key naval facilities will improve our capacity to tackle maritime crimes.

“The Navy is committed to supporting the state in ensuring the safety and security of the waterways.

“We shall continue to promote peace while enabling the residents to carry out their lawful activities without fear,” he said.

Niger Delta

Community Praises Diri, Ogbuku On Projects Execution … Prioritises Security, Dev

Published

3 days ago

March 23, 2026

The Tide

The Agbura Community of Yenagoa Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, has again lauded the State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, and the Managing-Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, over infrastructure projects executed in the community.

Speaking with newsmen midweek in Yenagoa, its Chairman, Community Development Committee, Mr. Tribunal Egba, hailed the Governor for the successful completion of the abandoned Oxbow lake-Agbura Road project and others within the Community.

He also eulogized the NDDC MD for the construction of new lodge in the community for serving Corps members as well as plans to execute other projects.

Mr. Egba added that the completion of the Oxbow Lake-Agbura Road has given the community facelift, while also pleading with the government and the interventionist agency to award shore protection contract in the community to save it from the perennial floodings experienced in the fast urbanizing town.

Similarly, the community’s leadership has given assurances that it will continue to give priority to development and security of lives and property.

The CDC helmsman promised to strengthen the existing community vigilante group, while also stressing that the age-long synergy between the community and security agencies would be improved upon to get rid of crime and criminalities in the area.

“As a community, we’re so thankful to Governor Diri for constructing the abandoned Oxbow Lake-Agbura Road project. We’re also glad with the level of infrastructural development ongoing in other parts of the state, courtesy of the Diri-led administration.

“We also like to laud the MD/CEO, NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku for the construction of a befitting Corpers lodge for Corps members serving in this community.

“Our priority as a community now is to protect these infrastructure projects. We’ll continue to work in synergy with all security agencies to make sure there’s peace and development”, the CDC leadership said.

By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa

Niger Delta

Delta Shocked Over Death Of Chief Protocol Officer

Published

3 days ago

March 23, 2026

The Tide

Delta State Government has expressed deep sadness over the sudden death of Mr. Sunny Kotor, Senior Special Assistant on Protocol to the State Government.

Kotor, a renowned Master of Ceremony at state functions, reportedly slumped and passed away last Friday.

In a statement signed by the Delta State Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, in Warri on Saturday, his passing was described as “a profound loss; not only to his family, but to the Government and people of Delta State who benefited immensely from his professionalism, composure, and unmistakable presence at official engagements.

“He brought dignity, structure, and excellence to every function he handled, leaving behind a standard that will be difficult to forget,” the statement added.

The Commissioner noted that “every passing is indeed a sobering reminder of how fragile and fleeting life can be,” extending heartfelt condolences to Kotor’s family, colleagues, and all who had the privilege of working with him.

The statement prayed that God would grant them the strength to bear the irreparable loss.