Niger Delta

Minister Challenges Stakeholders To Sustain Peace

Published

12 years ago

May 16, 2014

The Minister of Niger
Delta Affairs, Mr Darius Ishaku, last Tuesday said that peace was a necessary condition for sustainable development in the country.
Ishaku made the statement at the Niger Delta Youth for Peace Summit and Education Campaign, organised by the Peace Ambassadors Agency, in collaboration with the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs.
The minister, who was represented by an aide, Mr Gbade Ale, said that the ministry had done a lot in fostering sustainable peace and development in the region.
He recalled that the Niger Delta had been a zone filled with all kinds of crises such as pipeline vandalism, disruption of oil exploration activity and kidnapping.
“These crises were driven by militant youths who were agitating that the zone, as the goose that laid the golden eggs for the nation, deserved fair treatment in the Federal Government’s development efforts”, he said.
Ishaku said that timely intervention by the government in creating the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Amnesty Programme and the ministry had contributed to bring peace back to the region.
He said that as an agent of peace, the ministry was ready to work hand in hand with organisations which shared its views.
“It is this policy which therefore informed our decision, not just to identify with the Peace Ambassador Agency, but to also actively collaborate with it in organising this summit. A summit such as this one creates a good platform and conducive environment for peace. The objective was to fast-track development through the coordination of policy articulation and the implementation of development activities in the region”, Minister said.
According to him, collaboration with the Peace Ambassador Agency had assisted the ministry to adequately address areas of need in its mandate.
“Quite a number of vibrant youths, women and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO) now partner with the ministry to enthrone peace in the region,’’ Ishaku said.
According to him, the ministry has taken some giant strides since its inception by initiating programmes targeted at sustenance of peace in the region.
Ishaku reiterated that peace was an essential ingredient that should be consciously promoted if meaningful development in any society was to take place.
He said that in spite of the achievements, the challenges in the region were still enormous, requiring huge resources which government alone could not provide and urged stakeholders and partners to ensure that the desired multiplier effects of the programmes were seen in the best interest of the region.

Niger Delta

Otu Recommits To Support For Navy

Published

22 hours 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

22 hours 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

22 hours 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.