Niger Delta

Akpabio Cautions On Incessant Oil Spill

Published

13 years ago

November 19, 2012

Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State, has advised ExxonMobil to undertake holistic appraisal of its pipelines to guard against incessant oil spill in the state.

Akpabio gave the advice in Uyo when the General Manager, Public & Governmental Affairs, ExxonMobil, Mr Paul Arinze, paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House, last wednesday.

The governor said that routine checks on oil pipelines would stabilise the operations of the oil company and prevent environmental degradation in oil producing communities.

An estimated 200 barrels of oil were reportedly spilled through ruptured oil pipelines which affected communities in Ibeno, Esit Eket and Eastern Obolo on Friday.

Akpabio emphasised the need for ExxonMobil to continually perform its corporate social responsibilities to its host communities and to see the yearnings of the communities as priority in its decision-making processes.

He said that the state government was ready to partner with ExxonMobil in the construction of a dual carriageway from Eket to Ibeno and leading to Qua Iboe terminal, the operational base of ExxonMobil.

Akpabio assured the company that his administration would continue to create the enabling environment for it to carry out its operations.

Earlier, Arinze thanked the government and people of Akwa Ibom for supporting the company and said that N2 billion development projects built by the company in its host communities were ready for inauguration.

Arinze said the company planned to build a trauma centre at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH), Uyo, and promised that action would soon be taken to cushion the effects of last week’s oil spill in the affected communities.

The people of Ine community in Esit Eket Local Government Area of the state had staged a peaceful protest over the devastation of their farmlands and fishing ports due to oil spills.

Meamwhile Mobil Producing Nigeria (MPN) has deployed 480 personnel to mop up oil spill at the Atlantic coastline in Akwa Ibom. The oil firm, which earlier deployed 150 youths to the spill impacted areas within its host communities, had to increase the manpower. The decision to increase the manpower followed a joint investigation with the host communities, which indicated that the magnitude of the spill was greater than earlier estimated.

Chief Ukott Esenem, the Village Head of Atia community, Ibeno, told our correspondent on Thursday in Ibeno, that the increase in the workforce would speed action on the exercise and reduce the impact of the spill on the ecosystem.

Niger Delta

Oborevwori Launches Medical Outreach For Children With Special Needs

Published

3 hours ago

February 16, 2026

The Tide

The Wife of Delta State Governor, Mrs. Tobore Oborevwori, has launched a free medical outreach for children with special needs in Delta South.

The event, which attracted scores of caregivers, medical professionals, and government functionaries, took place at Dom Domingos College, Warri.

It was organised by the governor’s wife’s pet project, “You Matter Charity Foundation”, in partnership with the State Ministry of Health.

In a speech at the event, Oborevwori said the initiative sought to promote public awareness about autism and other notable infants’ developmental conditions.

She said the programme also aimed ”to eliminate stigma and encourage inclusion of persons living with disabilities.”

According to her, the outreach is structured to cover the state’s three senatorial districts.

She noted that the programme took place earlier in Ughelli, Delta Central, where beneficiaries received medications and assistive devices, including educational materials to support learning among children with special needs.

Oborevwori, who thanked residents and local government chairmen in Delta South for their cooperation, also commended the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, and medical teams for their dedication to the success of the programme.

She admonished parents and caregivers to continue to show patience, compassion, and understanding towards children with special needs.

The Tide’s source reports that health workers from the ministry and Primary Healthcare Development Agency participated in the programme.

In her remark, the Director-General of the foundation, Mrs. Lawrentta Ogbedo, said the outreach would reduce financial pressure on families that have children with special needs.

She underscored the importance of early diagnosis and consistent medical attention for such children.

The Chairman of Warri South LGA, Mr. Isaac Agbateyiniro, thanked the governor’s wife for the initiative, and described her kind intervention as ”timely and beneficial to struggling families”.

Also, the Chairman, Post Primary Education Board, Mr. Samuel Mariere, applauded the foundation’s effort in extending support to children with special needs in society.

Mariere said the programme had provided hope and practical support to many households.

The source reports that the event featured free medical consultations and treatment for children.

Also, health experts delivered talks on autism awareness, care strategies, and social acceptance.

Participants were also enlightened on the legal protections against discrimination for persons with disabilities.

Other highlights included the distribution of wheelchairs, medications, and assistive materials, among other items, to the beneficiaries.

Niger Delta

UniCal Commits To Nursing Education Dev In C’River

Published

3 hours ago

February 16, 2026

The Tide

The Vice Chancellor, University of Calabar (UniCal), Prof. Offiong Offiong, has reiterated the institution’s commitment towards supporting the growth of nursing education in the state.

Offiong, who made the statement recently in Calabar when members of the Basic Nursing and Midwifery Sciences Certificate Affiliation Committee visited him in his office, said as a federal university located in Cross River State, the institution would remain committed to the development of the state and the wellbeing of its residents.

The Vice Chancellor said UniCal would strategically collaborate with the state government to ensure improved healthcare education, professional training and standards.

“I commend the state government for expanding nursing institutions, this development has stimulated youth interest in health-related careers.

“We shall revisit the affiliation process to ensure compliance with national and international academic standards,” he said.

Offiong continued that curriculum review, adequate academic staffing and strict quality assurance measures would be given priority attention in the process.

He urged the state government to provide logistics support to students undertaking clinical postings in health facilities.

Leader of the delegation, Dr. Henry Ayuk, congratulated Offiong on his appointment as the Vice Chancellor of the university.

Ayuk, who’s also the Commissioner for Health in the State, commended the university for its contributions to the growth of the health sector.

He said the Bassey Otu-led government was committed to deepening collaboration with the university in order to strengthen nursing education and healthcare delivery.

The team leader expressed optimism that the partnership would boost professional training, institutional development and healthcare outcomes in the state.

Niger Delta

Agency Demolishes Illegal Roadside Structures In Delta N8 by … Clears Street Traders

Published

3 hours ago

February 16, 2026

The Tide

The Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency has commenced the removal of illegal roadside structures and street traders across Asaba.

The enforcement drive targeted areas where traders and makeshift stalls have taken over roads, walkways and drainage channels.

Speaking during the exercise, the Director-General of the agency, Mr. Patrick Ukah, said the action was necessary due to the growing safety concerns caused by unchecked roadside trading.

Ukah said the action formed part of a broader urban renewal programme aimed at improving sanitation, reducing traffic congestion and enhancing road safety.

He noted that the activities had disrupted traffic flow and exposed motorists and pedestrians to avoidable dangers.

According to him, the agency’s action is not directed at individuals but aimed at restoring order and enforcing existing regulations.

Ukah warned that the agency would not tolerate activities that deface the capital or threaten public safety.

He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to maintaining a clean, safe and orderly capital, saying a well-managed Asaba remains vital to the image of the state and its development.

Urging affected traders to relocate to approved government markets across the city, Ukah said the operation would continue and might be extended to other locations if violations persist.

Major locations affected include Akpu Junction, Marble Hill Junction, and the Arcade near Ogbeogonogo Market.

The Tide’s source reports that in addition to dismantling illegal structures, the agency intensified sanitation efforts along major roads.

Special attention was given to the Mammy Market and Traffic Light axis of Asaba to sustain cleanliness.

The agency’s Head of Environment, Mr. Isaac Nwosu, said the teams would ensure compliance and prevent a return of illegal roadside activities.

Nwosu called on residents and traders to support the agency by adhering to environmental regulations.