Niger Delta

FG Lauds C’River’s Deep Seaport Initiative

Published

10 years ago

July 1, 2016

The Federal Govern
ment has lauded Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State for his foresight in embarking on the Bakassi Deep Seaport project, describing it as a worthy venture that will impact positively on the economic life of the country.
The Chairman, Steering and Implementation Committee for the Deep Seaport and Director Maritime Services, Federal Ministry of Transportation, Alhaji Sani Galadanchi, stated this recently when he led other members of the committee on a courtesy visit to Government House in Calabar.
Galadanchi commended Governor Ayade “on his vision to diversify the economy of the state from its dependence on the monthly revenue from the Federation Accourt, saying this is in line with the Federal Government’s desire in moving the maritime sector forward.”
Restating the Federal Government’s readiness to partner with Cross River State Government and other stakeholders for the actualisation of the project, Galadanchi pointed out that the realisation of the deep seaport would result in an improved national supply chain, industrial capacity utilisation and huge employment opportunities.
The chairman, while regretting the delay in constituting the steering committee, said it was not intentional, just as he attributed the development to an earlier misunderstanding on the part of the officials from the state in the build-up to the constitution and inauguration of the committee.
He listed the mandate of the committee to include, preparation of preliminary project feasibility/ proposal, the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), work plans for project implementation and indicative budget for the project development as well as funding structure.
He assured that the committee would do all within its power to ensure the actualisation of the project in conformity with the nation’s Ports Master Plan.
In his response, Cross River State Governor, Prof. Ben Ayade who was represented by his deputy, Prof. Ivara Esu, thanked the Honourable Minister of Transport, Hon. Rotimi Amaechi for setting up the steering committee for immediate take-off of the deep seaport project, saying the port is a life-wire of his administration.
“We want to deliver on our signature projects which include the Bakassi Deep seaport that you are currently here to finalise modalities for takeoff, the 260 km superhighway that will serve as an evacuation corridor,”
While restating the state’s willingness to comply with the recommendation of the committee in executing the project, Gov. Ayade noted that “his government was ready to work with the stakeholders in the maritime industry as well as other relevant Federal Government agencies as stipulated by law to ensure the takeoff of the project.
“Bakassi Deep Seaport is very significant to us. In fact, it is the hemoglobin in the blood. So, if it does not succeed, our dream of transforming the socio-economic landscape of this state will be a mirage,” he said.

Friday Nwagbara, Calabar

Niger Delta

INC Polls: Ogoriba Pledges To Continuously Stand For N’Delta Rights … Picks Presidential Form

Published

16 hours ago

January 19, 2026

The Tide

Human Rights Activist and founding father of the Movement for the Survival of the Ijaw Ethnic Nationality of the Niger Delta (MOSIEND), Elder Timi Kaiser Ogoriba, has said he would continue to advocate for the environmental and human rights of the people of the Niger Delta, especially his Ijaw kinsmen.

Ogoriba who doubles as the current Vice-Chairman of the Bayelsa State founding fathers forum made the pledge at the Ijaw House, headquarters of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), in Yenagoa, capital of the State, while fielding questions from newsmen shortly after picking his interest form for the position of president in the 2026 polls of the national executive council of the body.

The Odi-born activist who described the foremost Pan-Ijaw umbrella parent body as the envy of many sister ethnic groups in the nation, noted that he played pivotal roles in the formative stages of both the INC and its youth body, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC).

He expressed confidence in the activities of the body, saying he would continue to work with all relevant stakeholders to reposition the Pan-Ijaw group for greater achievements when elected as President come February, 2026.

“I’m still ready to go to trenches because of Ijaw nation. For those who knew me before now, you’ll recall that I have gone to trenches several times because of my love for the Ijaw people.

“Today as an ethnic group, we’re the envy of every other tribe. And that’s because we’ve all it takes for others to envy us. Today the INC has become the pride of everyone, including many who don’t know how we started it. And I’m not detered by the propaganda against my candidacy. I’m determined to win and continue my service to the Ijaw nation.

“I was part of the struggle in 1991 when the INC was formed in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. I’ve all it takes to lead the INC as President. But the INC under my leadership will not be a ‘T. K. Ogoriba thing alone’. I’ll need all of you and every Son and daughter of Ijaw nation to lead us well when elected”, he said.

The Presidential hopeful, who also bared his mind on issues of Resource control and true-federalism, restated his commitment towards ensuring that the Niger Delta region was given fair treatment by Government.

He stressed the need for the INC to synergize with other ethnic nationalities of the Niger Delta region for positive results, saying he would also ensure that there is mutual respect and understanding amongst and between stakeholders of the Ijaw nation and other sister ethnic groups to fast track the processes of growth and development of the region.

By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa

Niger Delta

Edo Partners Stakeholders For Better Land, Housing Services

Published

18 hours ago

January 19, 2026

The Tide

The Edo State government has reaffirmed its commitment to strategic partnerships with key stakeholders to enhance effective service delivery in the lands and housing sector across the state.

Commissioner for Ministry of Lands and Housing, Mr. Yakubu Musa, made this known on Thursday, when he met with members of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers in Benin.

Musa emphasised the importance of synergy and collaboration to drive sustainable development in the state.

He said, ‘’The ministry is taking steps to sanitise and regulate the real estate industry to make sure Edo citizens get maximum satisfaction from the lands and housing sector.’’

Earlier, the Chairman of the Association, Mr. Roger Isiokhere, said the visit was to formally acquaint the commissioner with the institution’s activities.

Isiokhere expressed the institution’s readiness to work closely with the ministry in achieving its mandate, offering professional advisory services and other forms of support.

The Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Joy Akhigbe, also stressed the importance of collaboration.

In attendance at the meeting were the Surveyor-General of the State, Directors, and other management staff of the Ministry of Lands and Housing.

Niger Delta

Otu Reiterates Commitment To Support Military Veterans, Families

Published

18 hours ago

January 19, 2026

The Tide

Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to the welfare of military veterans and their families.

Otu, who spoke at the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration in Calabar on Thursday, said his administration would not forget the contributions of fallen heroes.

Represented by his Deputy, Dr. Peter Odey, the Governor described the armed forces remembrance day as a reminder of the sacrifices made by military veterans to keep Nigeria united and peaceful.

“The lesson is to remember our fallen heroes, people who sacrificed for the country, many of them paid with their lives to protect this nation”, he said.

Otu further said widows of late military officers would continue to be part of his government’s programmes and interventions.

“All widows are being carried along, the Commissioner for Social Welfare ensures their inclusion in every programme”, he said.

Earlier, the Cross River State Chairman, Nigerian Legion, Daniel Ojugbo, said the ceremony was not only an honour for fallen heroes, but a time to reflect on the challenges being faced by military veterans and their families.

Ojugbo said families of fallen military officers faced delayed welfare benefits, limited medical care and unemployment for their widows and other dependants.

He commended Otu for his support, saying that his administration had shown genuine and remarkable concerns for the legion and its members.

Also speaking, the Coordinator, Military Widows in the state, Mrs. Miriam Orok, thanked the Governor for improved treatment and inclusion in welfare interventions.

“We are actually seeing better changes under our Governor. He has been carrying us along, and we are very grateful. We also thank the governor’s wife for her sense of compassion”, she said.

The Tide’s source reports that the event featured prayers, wreath-laying, and tributes to the fallen heroes.