Niger Delta

US,Set To Partner N’ Delta On Dev

Published

13 years ago

May 20, 2013

The American government has expressed concern and interest on what the future holds for the Niger Delta region of Nigeria and the impacts 2015 will create, especially on security issues
The Consul General of United States Consulate in Lagos, Mr Jeffrey Hawkins stated this when he paid a courtesy visit to Bayelsa State Governor, Hon Seriake Dickson in Government House, Yenagoa.
Hawkins said, that in view of the economic importance of the region, his home country wants first hand information in areas such as security and governance of the people.
He expressed optimism that with different blueprints of development on the ground, Bayelsa would surmount its development hurdles that could also take care of present security challenges.
In his response, Hon. Dickson regretted that there were a lot of stereotype and negative reportage of issues concerning the country, particularly the Niger Delta region that were not in conformity with realities on ground.
He therefore requested the United States government to reconsider its stance on the travel advisory, noting that his administration was sparing no effort in creating a congenial business climate for investors in Bayelsa State.
Hon. Dickson explained that one of such efforts was the establishment of the Bayelsa Development and Investment Corporation (BDIC) with its African regional office in Johannesburg, South Africa.
“Bayelsa is safe and ready for business. At the business level, we have established the BDIC which African regional office I went to open last week in Johannesburg. We intend to do similar things in other critical economies of the world because we want to be on ground to be able to tell our own story. The truth is that we cannot move our economy or attract investment to create wealth and develop skills that will turn around the economy and break the vicious cycle of poverty, illiteracy, unemployment and un-employability.”
However, the United Kingdom and United State have indicated interest to assist Nigeria curb the menace of crude oil theft which President Goodluck Jonathan has described as “blood oil’’.
The Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke, made the announcement at a lecture entitled “The Future of African Energy in a Changing World’’, delivered on Sunday at St. Anthony’s College in Oxford University, England.
“I must say that both the British and U.S. Governments have been in discussions with us and are keen to join hands with us to fight this menace.
“The global community is on track and already geared up and we are working to put in place a strategic platform that will involve us all and enable us track and fingerprint stolen crude,’’ Alison-Madueke said.
She said that crude oil theft and vandalism were being executed on a professional scale beyond petty stealing.
“It is, therefore, clear that this crude is being taken to refineries outside the shores of West Africa.’’
According to her, proceeds from stolen crude, are being passed through fiscal institutions beyond the African continent and the monies are laundered by fiscal entities.
“It has therefore, become necessary to tackle the issue globally as it is carried out by powerful cabals and experts.’’
The minister said that governments in the Niger Delta were collaborating with service chiefs to sensitise the affected communities on the dangers of illegal refineries on the environment.
She said that illegal refineries, popularly known as “firewood distilleries,’’ had severe impact on the environment and human beings, especially because of the risk of disabilities in new born babies.
Other issues addressed by Alison-Madueke include the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) and global politics of oil where she stressed the need to give emerging economies more support.
“It is better to invest in these economies, import their gas and oil rather than give out charity and donations to them.
“Basically if Africa itself is not stable and if it’s teeming youth population are not gainfully employed, then they obviously pose an inherent threat to global security and stability in the world,’’ she said.
Mrs Cherie Blair, wife of UK’s former Prime Minister Tony Blair in an interview with newsmen commended Alison-Madueke for her detailed lecture on the oil sector in Nigeria.
Blair said the PIB as explained by the minister, when passed into law, would be beneficial to companies with investments in the sector and crucial to Nigerians.
The lecture attracted experts from the oil and gas sector, including a former Ghanaian President, Mr John Kufour.

Niger Delta

Make God Your Anchor To Fulfill Destiny, Cleric Charges Christians … As Jaja Marks 70th Birthday

Published

1 day ago

December 5, 2025

The Tide

The Lead Pastor at Jesus Appointed People’s Bible Church, Ozogbe, Ikwerrengwo-Etche, in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State, Pastor Promise Nwaelele, has urged Christians to make God the anchor of their lives in whatever position they find themselves, in order to attain the destinies set for them by God.

Pastor Nwaelele, who gave the charge recently in a sermon he preached at the 70th birthday anniversary thanksgiving service of Sir Donald Michael Jaja, a veteran journalist in Rivers State, said this is because any genuine child of God is a permanent target for destabilization and destruction by the devil.

Taking his text from the Bible book of Mark 4:16-17, the preacher stated that fulfilment in life for a child of God required faith, obedience to God’s word, humility and grace to withstand trials and temptations.

According to him, temptations and afflictions are bound to happen in the lives of those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

“No wonder the Bible said that those that endure till the end shall be saved”, he said.

The Clergyman said God prospers believers who are humble, not proud and conceited, and leads them to destiny fulfilment.

“David said in Psalm 51:17, that the sacrifices acceptable to God are a broken spirit, not an impatient or proud spirit”, the preacher said.

He called on Christians not to allow persecutions and afflictions to sway them from the love and blessings of Jesus Christ.

On his part, Jaja, a seasoned Journalist who retired as an Acting Editor of the Rivers State Government-owned The Tide Newspaper, gave thanks to God for honouring him by giving him the grace of attaining 70 years.

“I cannot capture what the good Lord has done for me in my entire life in this fleeting moment of thanksgiving. But, I know that without Him, I wouldn’t have been who I am today, in all spheres. Therefore, my joy knows no bounds as I give thanks to my creator today, alongside my family. Praise be His holy name”, Jaja said.

Niger Delta

Remember Me As Fighter Against Sexual Harassment – UNICAL VC

Published

1 day ago

December 5, 2025

The Tide

The outgoing Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar (UniCal), Prof. Florence Obi, has said she will want to be remembered for fighting sexual harassment and delayed results.

Obi made the remark recently at an event in Calabar, organised by the university to mark the end of her five-year tenure as the 11th substantive Vice Chancellor of the institution.

It would be recalled that Obi, whose tenure expired on November 30, was appointed Vice Chancellor on September 10, 2020, but officially assumed office on December 1, 2020.

She said her commitment to protecting students, especially the female ones, remained one of her greatest achievements as Vice Chancellor.

She said, “I fought against sexual predators and ensured timely release of students’ results to curb frustration within the institution.”

While expressing fulfilment at completing her tenure and thanking God for enabling her finish strong after five years in office, she said she would return to the classroom because teaching remained her passion.

Earlier, she addressed staff and students outside her office during a carnival-like, marching out parade in her honour, thanking them for their support throughout her administration.

She also encouraged them to support her successor to enable him to succeed and take the university to greater heights.

“This institution has recorded significant growth and I am confident that my successor will advance the progress already made”, she said.

The Tide’s source reports that under her leadership, the largest solar power plant in Cross River State was built in UniCal, ensuring stable electricity for the university and its teaching hospital.

Other achievements included upgrading the Faculty of Education to a College, getting Mass Communication accredited and elevated to a Faculty.

Her administration also constructed new hostels, introduced departmental scholarships, built a fire service station, and completed the Law Faculty complex.

Niger Delta

Oborevwori Presents N1.664tn 2026 Appropriations Bill

Published

1 day ago

December 5, 2025

The Tide

Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oboreveori, on Wednesday, presented the 2026 Appropriation Bill of N1.664 trillion to the State House of Assembly.

Presenting the bill during plenary of the Assembly in Asaba, Oborevwori said, “I wish to announce a budget proposal of N1.664 trillion for the services of Delta State Government in 2026.”

He said the amount comprised the sum of N499 billion, representing 30 per cent of total budget for Recurrent Expenditure, and N1.165 trillion representing 70 per cent of total budget for Capital Expenditure.

The Governor added that the 2026 budget size indicated an increase of N685 billion, or 70 per cent over the 2025 Appropriation.

He also said sources of funds for the 2026 budget as proposed would be mainly from statutory allocation, internally generated revenue, mineral derivation, and Value Added, Tax among others.

Giving breakdown of the budget proposal, he said the state was earmarking N450 billion for road projects across the state in the 2026 fiscal year.

He said, ”A well-developed road infrastructure is a catalyst for economic growth.

”It facilitates easy movement of goods and services, reduces transportation costs, attracts investment, and improves access to markets and thereby boosting socio-economic development and generating employment opportunities.

”Agriculture is key to economic diversification and sustainable development.

”We shall continue to devote considerable attention and resources to fast-track developments in the agricultural sector towards enhancing food security in Delta State.

”This will also enable economic diversification, promote self-reliance, and generate employment opportunities.”

The Tide’s source reports that the sum of 10 billion has been earmarked for the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources in the 2026 Budget.

Oborevwori, who is the immediate past Speaker of the Assembly, commended the House for its partnership and urged members to expedite consideration and passage of the budget to sustain ongoing development momentum.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building “a prosperous, secure, and stronger Delta where no one is left behind.”

In his remarks, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Mr. Dennis Guwor, commended Oborevwori’s administration for the steady strides recorded under the “Renewed Hope for MORE Agenda”.

”Over the past year, we have witnessed sustained investments in critical infrastructure, impactful social interventions, prudent fiscal management of resources, and strategic initiatives aimed at promoting peace, security, and economic stability across the State”, he said.

Guwor also commended the Governor for approving the Consolidated Legislative Salary Structure (CONLESS) and initiating the construction of permanent offices for the Assembly Service Commission.

He assured the Governor of the Assembly’s resolve to undertake a thorough and timely review of the appropriation bill, stressing that the Legislature remains committed to people-centered governance, accountability, and equitable development.

“Your Excellency, I want to assure you that the entire Members of this 8th Assembly are united behind your vision for the transformation of the State.

”While our roles in government are distinct and protected by the Constitution, our objectives remain aligned; delivering the greatest good to the greatest number of the people of the state”, he stated.