Rivers
Jonathan Committed To Security, National Unity – Oboh
Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Christian Oboh says President Goodluck Jonathan has demonstrated clear commitment to the security, growth and unity of Nigeria through his policies.
To this end he has solicited more support for the Jonathan administration from the United States of America just as he commended their efforts so far.
Dr. Oboh who was speaking when the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Terrence McCulley paid him a courtesy call in Port Harcourt restated the Commission’s determination towards ensuring peace and security in the Niger Delta.
He noted that despite the challenges in the region, the Jonathan administration has not relented in addressing issues of development and security through development agencies amongst them, the NDDC.
”You have rightly noted the challenges we have in this region in terms of security and development, you know we have a difficult terrain that makes development very difficult, that was the major reason NDDC was set up as an interventionist agency,” he remarked.
“Nearly all the wealth of this country comes from the Niger Delta region, therefore the people deserve a better condition of living”. Dr. Oboh told the American Ambassador, the first to visit the Commission, stressing that the Board is working assiduously to ensure the realisation of Federal Government’s vision for the region.
He outlined the one billion naira agricultural revolving loan scheme, skills acquisition programmes, welding and fabrication, women empowerment initiatives as well as training of youths in solar maintenance and installation as some of the step taken so far.
On Education Dr. Oboh disclosed that both foreign and local scholarship schemes were being vigorously pursued for Niger Delta students. “Our level of technology in this area is minimal, so we decided to encourage our youths with basic first degree to study in developed countries,” he said.
The Managing Director disclosed that the commission has concluded plans for the construction of specialist hospitals in three states of the Niger Delta and will replicate same in the other states of the region.
As part of efforts to open up the rural communities, Dr. Oboh disclosed that 66 mega projects among others were on the verge of being awarded and reiterated the Commission’s willingness to partner the US Government in its effort to develop the region.
Earlier the US Ambassador, Mr. Terrence McCulley described the Niger Delta as critical for Nigeria and the United States.
The US Government he said has followed with keen interest efforts being made by the Federal Government to develop the Niger Delta particularly through the Niger Delta Regional Development Master Plan and pledge further support towards the development of the region.
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Rivers
Monarchs, Others Pass Confidence Vote On PINL … As Firm Recommits To Stakeholder Engagements In Bayelsa
Bayelsa State traditional rulers within the operational corridors of an oil and gas surveillance firm, Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL), have lauded the company for standing up to its responsibilities of ensuring that its host communities were carried along in its scheme of things.
Speaking on behalf of traditional rulers during the March, 2026 stakeholders meeting of the firm in Yenagoa, on Thursday, Chairman of the State’s Traditional Rulers Council, HRM King Bubaraye Dakolo (Agada IV), praised the firm on its relentless efforts in changing the narratives of oil and gas host communities for the better.
The monarch thanked the firm for its various initiatives aimed at bringing succour and awareness to host communities, calling on other oil and gas companies to emulate the template set by the PINL to give relief to communities within their catchment areas.
Also speaking, the duo of the Chairman of the State’s Chapter of the Civil Liberties Organization (CLO), Comrade David West, and the Secretary, Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Central Zone, Comrade Azibator Efere, described the firm as having understood the yearnings and aspirations of peoples of its host communitues.
They, however, also charged the firm not to relent in its efforts to pay all outstanding stipends and remuneration owed benefitting stakeholders, saying the host communities and people on their own also owe a reciprocal relationship to the firm by keeping peace and tranquility in their domains.
Earlier in his opening remarks, General Manager, Community and Stakeholders Relations of the firm, Dr. Akpos Mezeh, said the attendance of stakeholders at the meeting reflects shared dedication to strengthening cooperation, sustaining peace, and advancing development across the host communities within the firm’s operational corridors.
He said the February stakeholders engagement was not held due to circumstances beyond the company’s control, saying, however, that the period allowed the PINL to consolidate on some important aspects of community empowerment programmes, including the disbursement of scholarship grants to beneficiaries of host communities.
Mezeh stressed that it is the belief of the firm that most of the beneficiaries have received their grants, calling on students who are yet to receive to visit an established help desk to address such concerns and ensure that no beneficiary is left behind.
“Distinguished stakeholders, your continued partnership with Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) has remained a cornerstone of our operational success.
“Over the past years, our engagements have consistently demonstrated that dialogue, cooperation, and mutual trust remain the most effective tools for building sustainable relationships between private security companies (PSC) and host communities.
“At PINL, we hold firmly to one guiding principle – Community partnership is national security. When communities protect infrastructure, they protect livelihoods, national revenue, and the future of our country”, he said.
Speaking on national energy outlook and the future of Nigeria’s energy, the surveillance firm reiterated that the nation’s energy sector remains central to national development and economic stability.
It cited recent developments in the sector, which, he said, reflects renewed progress and growing opportunities for the country’s energy future.
“According to the latest operational report released by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), the national oil company recorded a profit after tax of N385 billion in January 2026, generating N2.571 trillion in revenue and remitting N726 billion to the Federation Account during the same period after 1.64 million barrels per day production.
“These figures demonstrate renewed operational efficiency and improved performance across Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
“This improvement was driven largely by the successful completion of maintenance operations at key onshore facilities.
“Nigeria also recorded encouraging progress in natural gas production, which increased to 7,283 million standard cubic feet per day, compared to 6,914 million standard cubic feet per day recorded in December 2025.
“Gas sales strengthened as well, reaching approximately 4,978 million standard cubic feet per day, reflecting improved supply to power plants, industrial consumers, and export markets”, he stated.
The company promised to sustain its advocacy for oil and gas riverine communities to also enjoy uninterrupted supply of petroleum products via provision of functional floating petrol and gas stations, reassuring that the federal government is aware of the challenges of the people as they continue to buy these products above the prevailing market price.
“Distinguished stakeholders, the progress recorded in recent months would not have been possible without your cooperation.
“Enhanced collaboration between host communities, security agencies, government institutions, and pipeline operators has significantly reduced incidents of crude oil theft and vandalism across our operational corridors.
“However, we’re currently faced with an unpleasant situation, and I must use this opportunity to sound a strong warning to all our contractors and surveillance teams.
“Recently, at Atali axis – Zone 4, two tankers were intercepted while attempting to load crude. It was only through the effectiveness of our backup intelligence system that this operation was foiled, otherwise, those trucks would have successfully loaded.
“Preliminary findings point to a possible coordinated conspiracy. Let me be clear, once investigations are concluded, everyone found culpable will be brought to justice, and no one will be spared.
“Furthermore, in Bayelsa State, at Otukpoti axis, Zone 9, we recorded yet another case of sabotage arising from negligence on the part of our surveillance guards.
“This is unacceptable. Let this serve as a clear and firm warning to all contractors and operatives that any act of negligence, compromise, or collusion will not be tolerated.
“Going forward, any contractor found wanting will not only lose their contract, but will also face full prosecution under the law.
“At the same time, we must continue to strengthen collaboration. The community intelligence systems have significantly enhanced information flow and improved response times”, he said.
On community-centered development initiatives, the PINL Manager said beyond infrastructure protection, the company’s job is fundamentally about people and community development.
He promised that the firm remains committed to promoting initiatives that improve the welfare of host communities and foster inclusive participation, including capacity building training for community-based contractors, prioritizing collaboration, noting that security was a shared responsibility
“We’ll have more Youth participation in pipeline protection activities, women-focused economic empowerment programmes, educational support, through scholarship schemes.
“Several interventions have been implemented, including, scholarship programmes for students, women empowerment initiatives, medical outreach programmes, distribution of humanitarian support and palliatives.
“We recognize that young people remain critical stakeholders in the future of our communities and for this reason, PINL is proposing a comprehensive Youth Skills Acquisition Programme in 2026 across our states of operations.
“We also acknowledge stakeholder feedback regarding the women empowerment programme, particularly the need for faster disbursement.
“So, we’re currently working closely with Premium Trust Bank, and payments will commence as soon as possible”, Mezeh reiterated.
On Environmental issues, the firm said environmental stewardship remains a central priority in its operations, saying that it understands the legitimate concerns of host communities regarding environmental protection and ecosystem preservation.
“Our operational framework continues to prioritize pipeline integrity management, rapid incident response systems, collaboration with regulatory agencies and host communities, promotion of safe operational practices, environmental awareness and sensitization programmes”, the PINL Manager added.
By Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa
The Vice Chancellor (VC), Rivers State University, Professor Isaac Zeb-Obipi, has commended the immense contributions of former Vice Chancellor, Professor Barimene Fakae, to the growth and technological advancement of the institution.
Zeb-Obipi said this recently during the 70th birthday celebration, Colloquium and Book Launch in honour of the former Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Fakae, held at the Nyesom Ezenwo Wike Senate Building, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt.
“Fakae uplifted the university at a time when the world was yet to fully appreciate the benefits of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), adding that his leadership launched the institution into the digital age”, he said.
He stated that history and providence would remain kind to the celebrant for his foresight and commitment to repositioning the university for global relevance.
The Vice Chancellor further emphasized that the former helmsman made the university ICT-driven during his tenure, a move he described as visionary and foundational to its present status.
He stressed that the legacy of the celebrant continues to reflect in the university’s academic excellence and administrative efficiency.
Zeb-Obipi continued that Professor Fakae’s tenure marked a defining moment in the institution’s history, as it ushered in innovation and progressive reforms.
Also speaking, Chairman of the occasion, High Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs, described the celebrant as an epitome of service to humanity and a man of commendable character.
Lulu- Briggs noted that Professor Fakae’s life embodies discipline, integrity and a deep sense of responsibility to society.
He added that the celebrant’s contributions extend beyond the university community, impacting lives across various sectors.
Earlier, Professor Fakae, who bowed out of the university as a lecturer after attaining the age of 70, expressed gratitude for the honour accorded him.
Fakae stated that he would continue to reach out to people and contribute to societal development despite prevailing challenges.
He cautioned against destructive tendencies, noting that no parasite survives by killing its host, even as the book, titled “Priest of Three Temples”, was unveiled in his honour during the event.
By: King Onunwor
Proceedings in the alleged cult-related murder trial involving a former local government Chairman and his co-defendant now has a new date following the formal closure of the case by the prosecution.
The development came as the presiding Judge, Justice I.P.C. Igwe, announced the dates for the continuation of the matter after the prosecution concluded its presentation of evidence.
The court subsequently adjourned the case to May 19 and 26, as well as June 9 and 15, 2026, for the defendants to open their defence.
Those standing trial are the former Caretaker Committee Chairman of Khana Local Government Area, Sunny Bekanwa, and his co-defendant, Henry Barikui-Dele.
The adjournment followed the testimony of the Police Investigation Officer attached to the Anti-Cultism Unit of the Rivers State Police Command, Inspector Stephen Ntibmouwei, who appeared as the final prosecution witness.
While testifying before the court, the officer linked the alleged activities of Bekanwa in Kpean Community, Khana Local Government Area, to the killings of Doctor Lucky Keena and Engineer Deyaa Dunsara.
He told the court that the former council boss allegedly used his political influence to interfere in traditional institutions within the community.
According to him, such influence extended to the dethronement and installation of chiefs, including the emergence of a traditional ruler allegedly backed by the first defendant.
The witness further alleged that Bekanwa leveraged the same influence to bring together different cult groups under a unified structure known as “Ngwongwo,” where he was said to have acted as arrowhead.
Under cross-examination, Inspector Ntibmouwei disclosed that his investigation was largely based on a security report from the Bori Police Division.
He explained that the report emanated from a petition written by the leadership of Kpean Community against the former council boss and was supported by video and audio evidence already tendered before the court.
The court was also reminded that the witness had, at a previous sitting, presented recordings said to contain a voluntary confessional statement by Henry Barikui-Dele, which the prosecution claimed implicated both defendants in the alleged crimes.
By: King Onunwor
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