Niger Delta

Imoke Reappoints Former Guber Aspirant Commissioner

Published

11 years ago

March 20, 2015

The former Cross River S
tate Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development and erstwhile gubernatorial aspirant on the platform of the the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Mr Patrick Ugbe, has resumed duties as the State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development.
Ugbe’s resumption followed his recent recall and subsequent swearing-in by the State Governor, Senator Liyel Imoke in Calabar.
Speaking at an inaugural meeting with management staff of the Ministry and Sports Commission, Mr. Ugbe thanked them for the support given to him in his quest for higher office and the warm reception accorded him on his resumption.
Ugbe said his aspiration to clench the highest office in the state was done with his firm belief that power comes from God and assured that the experience gained was immeasurable and would be brought to bear on current and future assignments.
The Commissioner said there was yet a lot of grounds to be covered by the ministry and urged staff to continue to work as a team to surmount the challenges ahead. He observed that though the time was short, it was possible to still achieve results.
Addressing the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Egwu Egeh, who has just retired from the service of the Cross River State Government, Mr. Ugbe commended him for a successful and rewarding service to his father-land and praised him for serving out his 35 years without a stain.
He wished Egbeh the best during his retirement and prayed God to continue to keep and bless him and his family.
Making his valedictory speech, the outgoing Permanent Secretary, Mr. Egeh, said his 35 years in service which began when he was 19 years has ended and praised God for His faithfulness.
Mr. Egeh thanked staff and especially the commissioner for his brotherly love and support and appealed to all staff to give the same cooperation to Mr. Ugbe.
Recalling the achievements recorded by the ministry, the out-going permanent secretary noted that unity had been the secret of the success of all their endeavours and called on staff to imbibe that virtue as a way of life.
It would be recalled that, Mr. Patrick Ugbe resigned from office as Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development on September 30, 2014 to aspire for the office of Governor of the State.
Ugbe, who was among others that did not make it through the primaries, were recalled recently after the House of Assembly had confirmed them for re-appointments.

Friday Nwagbara, Calabar

Niger Delta

Otu Recommits To Support For Navy

Published

2 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

2 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

2 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.