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Niger Delta

Stakeholders Harp On Rural Communities Dev

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9 years ago

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As part of  efforts to tackle insecurity  and poverty in the Niger Delta region, stakeholders have called on governments, oil companies and  the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to concentrate on the development of the rural communities  in the region.
Declaring  open the Ijaw Youth Congress,  youth enlightenment workshop, organised  by the new  National Deputy President of the IYC nation-wide, in Port Harcourt, the  chairman of the occasion,  an elder statesman, Professor Jasper Fortune Jumbo, stated  that the greatest task  before  Governments and Oil and Gas Companies, was to provide  the enabling  developmental  projects and programmes  to those dwelling in the rural areas,  where the products are explored.
He attributed most violence in the Ijaw reign  of the nation to lack of developmental projects and programmes to  alleviate  poverty in the area.
Jasper  despite the huge natural and financial resources  from the region boasting  the economy of the  country, the host  communities  is still remained  below poverty  levels.
The elder statesman,  and one-time  chairman of the Rivers State  Environmental Protection Agency  (RSEPA), blamed politians  and some government top functionaries from the  region for the underdevelopment and poverties  in the region.
According to him, “the mean revenue allocations accrued  to the states in the region, and other special  funds through Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), could have  changed the face  of developments in the region, if well managed”.
On restructuring of Nigeria, Prof.   Jumbo said, “any restructuring without resource  control  is meaningless”.
Jasper, who faulted  decisions in the ongoing  constitution amendment  by the National Assembly, said all the sections so far touched  were irrelevant to the needs of Nigerians, saying that, the only alternative to stop various groups  agitations and crisis in the country is resources control.
The IYC patron, charged the youths drawn mostly from the Ijaw  ethnic  nationality to  shun using  violence in the struggle but ensure peaceful means to achieve  the  desired goals.
Also  speaking, The Royal father of the Day of the occasion, Alhaji Muhahul  Asari Dokubo,  said the only way for the  Ijaws to gain freedom is to support the Biafra course for self-independence, pointing  out that restructuring  and amendment  of Constitution are never the issue, but  Ibos and the Ijaw be allowed to have their independence or resources control.
He debunked  insinuation that the Ibos would marginalized  the Ijaws,  if both join in Biafra nation, saying that the  Ibos  cannot submerged the ??? because  the ijaw  territories is the gateway to the survival  of any nation it involved.

Enoch Apelle

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Niger Delta

Oborevwori Launches Medical Outreach For Children With Special Needs

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5 days ago

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February 16, 2026

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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.
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Niger Delta

UniCal Commits To Nursing Education Dev In C’River 

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5 days ago

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February 16, 2026

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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.
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Niger Delta

Agency Demolishes Illegal Roadside Structures In Delta N8 by … Clears Street Traders

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5 days ago

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February 16, 2026

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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.
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