Niger Delta

FG Inaugurates Akhigbe’s Burial Committee

Published

12 years ago

November 15, 2013

The Federal Government
has set up an eight-member committee with the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Dele Ezeoba as the Chairman,for the burial of former Chief of General Staff, Vice Admiral Mike Akhigbe.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, who announced this at a news conference in Abuja,Wednesday, said the committee would undertake the Federal Government’s component of the burial arrangements.
Anyim said the burial would take place on Saturday November 23 in Akhigbe’s house at Fugar, Etsako Local Government Area of Edo adding that the burial programmes would commence on Wednesday. November 20.
According to him,“there will be lying-in-state at QUORRA, Naval Base, Apapa in Lagos at 10 a.m. while service of songs takes place at the same venue at 6 pm.‘On Thursday November 21, requiem mass takes place at Church of Assumption, Falomo, Ikoyi Lagos at 10 a.m.
“The corpse will be taken to Fugar at 6a.m. with stop-over at Government House, Benin.There will be Christian and social wake at his residence at 6p.m. There will be outing service at St Theresa‘s Catholic Church, Fugar on Sunday, November 24 at 10 a.m.”, he said.
Anyim described the death of Akhigbe as a painful loss to the family and the nation in general noting that the deceased dedicated his life to the service of the country, first as a military officer, who made immeasurable contributions to the political landscape and the development of the country.
According to him, “Akhigbe was an honest and diligent public servant who undoubtedly made remarkable and outstanding contributions to the social, economic and political development of the country.”
Anyim said the deceased was appointed as Chief of Naval Staff as a result of his commitment and dedication in the delivery of his duties and urged Nigerians to pay their last respect to Akhigbe by being part of the burial ceremonies.
Akhigbe died on Monday, October 28 in New York at the age of 67.

Niger Delta

Otu Recommits To Support For Navy

Published

5 days 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

5 days 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

5 days 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.