Niger Delta

UNEP Recommends $1bn For Ogoni Community Clean UP

Published

10 years ago

October 16, 2015

Executive Director, Social Action, a Non Governmental Organisation (NGO), Dr Isaac Osuoka, says United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) has recommended 1.04 billion dollars for clean up of Ogoni community.
Osuoka disclosed this on Tuesday at a roundtable meeting on overview of the recommendation of UNEP Report on Ogoni community, organised by the NGO.
He said that the Federal Government also made a commitment of 10 million dollars to commence the Board of Hydrocarbon Pollution Restoration Project (HYPREP).
He said that the purpose of the board was for the implementation of the UNEP report on the environmental restoration of Ogoniland.
He said that the cleanup programme which was expected to last for 30 to 35 years had not started, adding that the fund was jointly contributed by the Federal Government and oil industry.
He said that since the release of the UNEP report, the response of the government to the implementation of the report has fallen short of expectations.
Osuoka added that the UNEP recommended quick efforts to ensure that all drinking water, wells where hydrocarbons were detected are marked and people are informed of the danger, while alternative sources of drinking water are provided.
He said that the HYPREP which the Federal Government set up under the Office of Ministry of Petroleum Resources was not backed by legislation.
Osuoka added that the HYPREP was not also provided with adequate funds to totally execute it mandate.
“ In the last two months, there has been a glimmer of light, indicating that at last, the much awaited remediation of Ogoni environment may begin. The announcement of the government that it is setting aside the 10million dollars to commence the process is a welcome gesture,’’ he said.
Osuoka was represented by Mrs Vivian Bellowu-Okafor, Head, National Advocacy Centre. The Paramount Ruler of Mogho, in Ogoni Community, Chief Mene Kpea, said that the UNEP recommended quick efforts to fast-track actions for the implementation of its report on the cleanup.
Kpea said that the community was concern over the delay on the implementation process, adding “even the 10 million dollars government committed is too small, it cannot solve the whole problem facing our land.’’
Also, Mr Emmanuel Okokon-Ndem, Head of Oil and Gas Division, Environmental Assessment Department, in the Federal Ministry of Environment said that the community should give the new administration time to succeed.
According to him, the community should have trust in what the government is doing, saying: “I want to assure you that the government is doing everything possible to fulfill it promises.’’

Niger Delta

Oborevwori Launches Medical Outreach For Children With Special Needs

Published

2 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

2 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

2 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.