Niger Delta

Delta Empowers 85,000 With Micro-Credit

Published

15 years ago

December 27, 2010

About 85,000 people have so far been empowered and removed from the poverty line through the Delta State micro-credit scheme.

The acting governor of Delta state Prince Sam Obi who announced this at the 3rd anniversary celebration of the micro credit scheme in Asaba said the economic renaissance has positively touched the lives of those at the grassroot as well as the urban poor.

Prince Obi described the micro credit scheme as one of the most honest, transparent and caring programmes known in the state even as he explained that so far the scheme was devoid of politics.

He said the scheme did not only just change the status of the beneficiaries but moved them to a higher level of medium credit facility where they could employ other Deltans.

His words “At the beginning most of the beneficiaries did not need physical structures to start but now they are graduating to a higher level where they will be in a position to employ other Deltans in many endeavours”.

The acting governor said the products of the scheme which were on display clearly demonstrate the success of the programme as some of the products such as shoes, bags, beads among others could compare fovourably with those of the advanced countries.

Prince Obi commended the foresight for Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan for initiating the programme and especially for identifying with the yearnings and aspirations of the people.

Speaking further he said “we must be appreciative of the efforts of Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan for initiating this and other programmes which are touching the lives of our people”.

He also commended the leadership of the programme for their commitment and hard work just as he praised the participants for judiciously using the funds in productive ventures.

In his remarks Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan appealed to the acting governor to inject more funds into the scheme.

Dr Uduaghan said injection of more funds into the scheme would increase the economic prosperity of the participants and consequently boost economic activities in the state.

He expressed excitement over the investment choice of the participants explaining that they have shown commitment and business trust and tact.

Dr Uduaghan said he was happy that they did not waste their funds in marrying new wives, building new houses or buying new cars.

The state commissioner in charge of micro credit, Dr Anthonia Ashiedu said the scheme has redistributed wealth in the state.

Niger Delta

Otu Recommits To Support For Navy

Published

3 hours 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 hours 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 hours 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.