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Niger Delta

Buhari Woos Varsities For Fight Against Corruption

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President Muhammadu
Buhari has urged universities in Nigerian to support the Federal Government’s fight against corruption.
Buhari made the call at the 29th Convocation of the University of Calabar in Calabar.
Represented By Prof. Akanerem Essien, former Vice Chancellor, University of Uyo, Buhari said that the fight against corruption should not be a task of the government alone, but a collective responsibility.
He restated that his administration had zero tolerance for corruption, hence the need for universities to support the fight against it.
“As I continue the fight against corruption in the country, I want to call on universities in Nigeria to support the crusade.
“Universities are known for nurturing young vanguards; I want universities management to evolve the spirit of nurturing our young ones in the right track by shunning all forms of corruption.
“My administration will continue to support the growth of our tertiary institutions in the area of research and academic growth’’, he said.
Buhari said that the N500 billion allocated to the education sector in the 2016 budget would be effectively utilised to ensure optimal improvement in the country’s educational system.
He congratulated the graduands for the successful completion of their course works.
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of University of Calabar, Prof Zana Akpagu, said that 7,222 students would be awarded degrees and diplomas in the convocation which was for 2014/2015 session.
He said that 12 graduands out of the number bagged First Class degree, adding that they would be given automatic employment by the university management.
Apkagu said that the gesture was a reward for hard work and motivation for students of the institution to attain academic excellence.
“The University of Calabar in its 2014/2015 academic session graduated a total of 7,222. Out of this number, 4,868 will get first degrees, 952 with Masters degrees, and 1,402 with Diplomas’’, he said.
He announced the award of Honorary Doctorate Degree of Law (LLD) to Mr Donald Duke, a former governor of Cross River, and to Sen. Florence Ita-Giwa in Political Science (DPSC).
Apkagu explained that the university decided to honour Duke for transforming Cross River to a tourist state and hospitality haven, while Ita-Giwa was honoured for her struggle in rehabilitating the Bakassi displaced returnees.
In his speech, Pro-Chancellor of the university, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyawu, advised the authorities to embark on large-scale farming that would engage the students in meaningful ventures after graduation.

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Niger Delta

Otu Recommits To Support For Navy 

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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.
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Niger Delta

Community Praises Diri, Ogbuku On Projects Execution … Prioritises Security, Dev 

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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
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Niger Delta

Delta Shocked Over Death Of Chief Protocol Officer

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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.
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