Niger Delta
A’Ibom Constructs 800 Housing Units
The Akwa Ibom State Government has built 800 housing units in Uyo and Ikot-Ekpene to ease the housing problems being faced by people of the state.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban Renewal, Mr Bassey Esanng, who made this known in an interview in Uyo said that another 1,200 housing units were still under construction at Oron and Ikot-Abasi in Eket Senatorial district bringing the number to 2,000 houses.
According to him, the State government has the interest of the people at heart.
“We hope that by next year, the 2,000 houses promised by this administration will be delivered, for now, 800 houses are ready for use in Uyo and Ikot-Ekpene,’’ he said.
He said that in spite of the government estate development initiative, Governor Godswill Akpabio’s administration had also created an enabling environment for private estate developers in the state.
Esanng identified the payment of compensation as a major problem faced by the State Government in the construction of the houses, adding that the intention of the State Government was to purchase and allocate the land to civil servants to enable them build their own houses.
The Permanent Secretary said this had not been achieved due to compensation related issues.
“Having paid compensation to the rightful owners of these land, different groups spring up with further compensation claims, consequently deterring those who have been allocated the lands.’’
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Leaders of Ijaw nation and others from all walks of life paid glowing tributes to the late Chief Joseph Okpokeme Oyakemeagbegha as he was laid to rest on 7th February, 2026 in his country home, Torugbene, in the Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State.
Chief Oyakemeagbegha, a pioneer banker in Ijaw land and the Niger Delta region, passed away at 91.
Popularly referred to as Chief J.O Oyakemeagbegha, he was the father of the current Publicity Secretary of the apex Ijaw socio-cultural organisation, the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Chief Ezonebi Oyakemeagbegha.
Leading the tributes, President of the INC, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, described the deceased as a pathfinder.
He stated that the respected Chief in his life time was a rallying point for Ijaws from far and near, irrespective of social status.
“I like to charge leaders to emulate the lifestyle of the late Chief J. O. Oyakemeagbegha. You can see the calibre of dignitaries that have come to celebrate his legacies. It means he was a good man by all standards.
“Indeed, Chief J. O. Oyakemeagbegha impacted the lives of members of his community, Torugbene, and moved beyond his community for a continued impact beyond Ijaw land. His legacies are worthy of emulation, and that was why the Tuomo Kingdom gave him the traditional title, the Tupka (light) of Tuomo”, he said.
In his tribute, the Delta State Commissioner for Housing, Hon. Godknows Angele, thanked the late patriarch for his enduring legacies for the Ijaw nation.
He said the contributions of the late consumate banker cannot be overemphasized, noting that during his time on earth he was an advocate of peace, development and communal living.
“Chief J. O. Oyakemeagbegha’s contribution to peace and development of Torugbene, his home town, the Tuomo kingdom and by extension the entire Ijaw land was enormous.
“He impacted lives through provision of educational support, pushed for provision of infrastructure in his home town, his kingdom.
“He was a lover of community and humanity, he gave wise counsel and loved education and supported anybody he crosses paths with. So long as it’s a worthy pursuit, Chief J. O. Oyakemeagbegha would surely support.
“Today, we’re here to celebrate his legacies and life of a good patriarch, a good man”, the Commissioner said.
Also speaking, the Chairman, Governing Council, Delta State Maritime Polytechnic, Burutu, Chief Julius Government, stated that the late elder statesman was a father to all.
He noted that homes of the deceased both in Torugbene and in the diaspora accomodated people seeking for support from him, restating that he was a “father-figure” with enduring footprints on the development of his community.
“His legacies has continued to impact and attract unprecedented development for the benefit the entire Torugbene Town. Among the many enduring legacies of the late Chief J. O. Oyakemeagbegha, was the establishment and building of a school, “Funkoro”, in this community.
“Today that school has produced a lot of people for the community and beyond. And because of his good deeds and impact generally on the community, the entire community has thus resolved to immortalize him by renaming the school after him. And so today, the school’s name has been changed to J. O. Oyakemeagbegha”, he said.
In his tribute, the INC Spokesman and first son of the deseased, Chief Ezonebi Oyakemeagbegha, described his father as the best role model anybody could have, saying his dad would be remembered for his generosity, meekness, love for God and uprightness.
“My dad feared and loved God, his love for education was second to none, and his sacrificial lifestyle towards the support and development of his immediate community, and anybody whom he crossed paths with while alive makes me wonder atimes the kind of man he was.
“My father was loving, he was a guiding light, and leader to many. He mentored many across various ethnic groups. His legacies live in our hearts as his children. I’m not surprised about all the good and beautiful stories of the impact he made in the lives of people that are being told today”, he said.
Earlier, in his homily at the Immaculate Heart Catholic Parish, Torugbene, Bomadi Diocese, the officiating Priest, Rev. Fr. Peter Lucky Brakaebi, admonished Christians against living for themselves alone.
The clergy described life on earth as very short. He noted, however, that there was an everlasting life after death for those who hear and lived their lives with the fear and love of God, and believed in the death and resurrection of Christ Jesus.
Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa
The Nembe-Ogbolomabiri Council of Chiefs in the Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State have disclosed its developmental scorecard in the outgone year.
Speaking with Journalists who visited the kingdom during the week, Alternate Chairman of the Council, Alabo Moses Ayebaereworio Solomon-Ockiya said the urban town and her satelite communities were experiencing an unprecedented trajectory of development.
He noted that the kingdom was judiciously deploying funds accruing from the Host Community Development Trust Fund (HCDTF) for rapid infrastructural and human capital development.
The Tide learnt that the HCDTF is one of the many creations of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) which aims at executing developmental projects in host communities of oil and gas firms and facilities.
According to the kingdom, with the funds, delapidated internal roads were being reconstructed, while also overhauling other existing infrastructure and opening up of new roads for pavement to ease traffic in Nembe City, its major urban town.
The Alternate Chairman also bared his mind on the working relationship between an oil firm, Aiteo, which operates in the kingdom and the Nembe people, describing it as cordial.
He noted that the kingdom and the company were partners in progress, stating also that the firm has changed its operational name to Nembe E&P, describing the new nomenclature as more beneficial to the kingdom.
“Our Monarch, His Eminence, King (Dr.) Edmund Maduabebe Daukoru (Mingi XII), told some visitors who came to our kingdom recently that in the next five-six months when they’ll come back that they won’t recognize this town again. Today you can hardly recognize some old parts of this city due to the massive construction and reconstruction which is taking place.
“We’ve constructed between 5-10 kilometers of new roads in this town in the last couple of months. We’ve opened about 10 new roads waiting for construction. We’ve a visionary monarch who believes in the peace and development of his kingdom.
“This kingdom is so organized that we’ve the Council of Chiefs, the elders council, the youths, CDC and women wing. So there is peace, tolerance and harmony in the kingdom”, the Alternate Chairman said.
In another development, the Council of Chiefs has shifted this year’s celebration of the annual King Fredrick Koko’s day to February.
The Tide reports that the annual event usually takes place 29th January.
The Council said the reason for the deferment was because it coincided with the obsequious ceremonies of the late State Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.
The kingdom noted that the new dates for the celebration this year would now be February 11th, 12th and 15th, 2026.
“The burial of the late Deputy Governor of the State concided with the King Koko’s day. As a responsible kingdom, which honours those in authority, we decided to shift the celebration to 11th, 12th and 15th of February 2026.
“The reason for shifting it to February is because the King Koko-led Nembe-British war lasted up to the new dates it has been slated”, Alabo Solomon-Ockiya added.
By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has extended heartfelt congratulations to his wife, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, as she marks her 56th birth anniversary.
In a statement issued on Thursday by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, the Governor expressed deep appreciation for the steadfast support and encouragement of his wife over the years, noting that her unwavering commitment and prayers played a significant role in their journey to becoming Delta State’s First Family.
He described Deaconess Tobore as a devout and compassionate mother whose impact on society has been profound, particularly through her constant prayers and moral support for the state and their family.
The Governor also commended her humanitarian efforts through her pet initiative, the “You Matter Charity Foundation”, which he said has continued to touch lives, with special attention to vulnerable members of the society, widows and elderly, including children living with autism.
Oborevwori said: “On behalf of our family, as well as the government and people of Delta State, I warmly felicitate my dear wife, Her Excellency, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, on the joyful occasion of her 56th birthday.
“She has remained a shining example of dedication, compassion, and godly values, not only to our children, but to the entire state.
“As she celebrates this milestone, it is my earnest prayer, and that of our children, that God will continually endow her with strength, wisdom, and clarity of purpose as she carries out the demanding responsibilities of the Office of the First Lady of Delta State.”
He further expressed his personal admiration for his wife, describing her as a source of daily joy and inspiration.
“You make every day a pleasure with your self-effacing mien, cheerful disposition, love for God, devotion to family, disciplined work ethic, and unwavering service to humanity. I celebrate you today and always. Happy birthday, my love and best friend”, he said.
By: Albert Ograka, Asaba
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