News

Shell Inaugurates N.2bn Projects In Abia …As Communities Give Firm Knocks

Published

8 years ago

October 16, 2017

The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC) has inaugurated 15 Corporate Social Responsibility projects worth over N200million located in 13 autonomous communities in Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State.
The sustainable development projects were executed by the Ukwa West Cluster Development Board (CDB) under the Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU) driven by SPDC in Etitioha, Isi-Etitioha, Igiriukwu, Ipu West, Uzuaku, Umuorie, Umuahala, Umuokwor, Isi Obehie, Isi Nteke, Okohia, Umuelechi, and Umunteke.
The projects and programmes include installation of 2km low voltage distribution network at Igiriukwu; installation of solar power borehole water scheme and construction of convenience facility at the market square at Umuelechi; installation of low 500KVA transformer and 2km electricity extension line with 50 street lights at Uzuaka; and procurement of Toyota Hiace bus for Etitioha Transport Scheme for Etitioha community.
Others include award of undergraduate scholarships to indigenes of Isi-Etitioha; construction of 48 open market stalls, convenience building and solar powered water scheme at Igiriukwu; installation of one 500KVA Transformer for HV Transmission and LV Transmission Lines at Igiriukwu; rehabilitation of water scheme at Umuahala; installation of 2.5km HV Transmission Line from Omuma Junction to Azanmogo at Igiriukwu; construction of 12 open stalls at Umuelechi market; and construction of 100-capacity town hall at Isi Nteke.
Speaking during the ceremony at Owaza, headquarters of Ukwa West, last Thursday, SPDC General Manager, External Relations, Mr Igo Weli stated that this was the first time the company was bringing together communities in Ukwa West to collectively execute and take delivery of sustainable development projects as key testimony of the SPDC GMoU success story in the Niger Delta, explaining that the model places ownership of development projects in the hands of the communities.
Weli who was represented by Dr Chibuzor Anyim, commended the wisdom of members of the CDB in the selection of the projects, including undergraduate scholarship programme; power supply improvement; construction of market stalls; sanitation; water and town hall, among others, adding that the projects were pillars of building blocks for sustainable growth and development in the area.
While noting that the GMoU model, introduced by SPDC in 2007, has spread to 37 active clusters, with only one in Abia State, Weli enjoined the people of the area to sustain the peace which enabled the delivery of the projects to the communities.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum in Abia State, Mr Anthony Ojinji, commended SPDC for the GMoU and projects in host communities.
He said the Abia State Government expects SPDC to capture more communities hosting oil facilities in the next GMoU expected to take off in 2018, and urged the benefiting communities to protect the facilities and ensure peaceful environment for businesses to thrive.
On his part, the Chairman, Community Cluster Development Board, Comrade Martins Noah lauded SPDC for delivering on its commitment to the communities, including the addition of surveillance contracts to the GMoU, and pledged the readiness of CDB members to ensure that pipeline vandalism was reduced to its barest minimum in the area.
Also speaking, Secretary of the Asa Development Union, Dr Gabriel Ikechi Ajuzieogu stated that although SPDC has done well for the communities, but regretted that the value of the projects was not commensurate with what the company has gained from the area over the last 60 years.
In his remarks, Chairman, Abia State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (ASOPADEC), Chief Samuel Okezie Nwogu, while agreeing with Ajuzieogu’s position, called for prudent management of funds accruing to the CDB and host communities.
Nwogu, who also doubled as the representative of the Abia State Governor, Chief Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, however, thanked SPDC for delivering the projects that would improve the living conditions of the people, thereby reducing pipeline vandalism and other negative vices in the area.
He disclosed that the Abia State Government would soon establish a firm to provide security cover for oil pipelines in Imo River area, saying that the initiative would create over 200 job opportunities for the youth and help reduce the spate of criminality, including pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft in the area.

Susan Serekara-Nwikhana

News

HYPREP Plans 1,500 Jobs, Expanded Skills Training as Ogoni Cleanup Records Progress

Published

6 hours ago

December 22, 2025

The Tide

The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has announced plans to create more than 1,500 direct jobs and provide skills training for over 2,000 Ogoni youths, women and persons with special needs in 2026, as part of the ongoing Ogoni Clean-up Programme.

The Project Coordinator, Professor Nenibarini Zabbey, made the disclosure on Friday in Port Harcourt during a Project Review Meeting with key Ogoni stakeholders, where the project’s performance between July and December 2025 was reviewed.

According to Prof. Zabbey, the proposed jobs will arise from the next phase of mangrove restoration and shoreline remediation projects, while skills acquisition will cover 10 demand-driven areas and five specialised skills designed for persons with disabilities.

In his presentation, the Project Coordinator outlined key milestones recorded during the period under review. He said Phase 1 shoreline remediation had reached 72.7 per cent completion, mangrove restoration was at 99 per cent, while soil and groundwater remediation of medium-risk complex sites stood at 39.01 per cent.

On potable water supply, Prof. Zabbey disclosed that 16 water facilities with booster stations had been completed, providing water to 42 Ogoni communities, while construction of 29 additional facilities was ongoing.

He also highlighted progress in public health and infrastructure projects, including the ongoing three-year public health studies by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) of the World Health Organisation (WHO). He added that the Ogoni Specialist Hospital had reached 78.2 per cent completion, Buan Cottage Hospital 98.5 per cent, the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration (CEER) 93.5 per cent, while the Ogoni Power Project stood at 61.13 per cent.

On livelihood restoration, the Project Coordinator said additional skills training programmes would commence in January, covering areas such as cybersecurity, commercial diving, GIS and mechatronics. He added that five specialised programmes had been designed for persons with disabilities. Education support initiatives, he said, include the installation of IT and solar equipment in pilot schools, distribution of learning materials and the planned distribution of 160,000 exercise books to public primary and secondary schools from January 2026.

Prof. Zabbey further announced that the list of 500 beneficiaries of Batch 2 of the HYPREP Postgraduate Scholarship Scheme would be released on January 1, 2026, noting that 300 postgraduate students were awarded scholarships earlier this year.

Addressing recent incidents affecting the Gwara and Ebubu water facilities, the Project Coordinator described them as regrettable and disclosed that a Technical Investigation Committee would submit its report within the week. He said water supply had been restored in Ebubu, while efforts were ongoing to restore supply to Gwara.

He identified challenges facing the project to include community land disputes, threats of re-pollution, vandalism and operational constraints, adding that measures were being taken to address them.

Prof. Zabbey attributed the progress recorded to the support of the Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Abbas Lawal, and Ogoni stakeholders, noting that the Ogoni Clean-up Programme remains a priority under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The project status presentation was delivered by Mr. Ifiok Idiyo of HYPREP’s Monitoring and Evaluation Unit. Stakeholders who spoke at the meeting commended HYPREP for the milestones achieved and called for sustained support to ensure the success of the Ogoni Clean-up Programme.

News

RHI, RSG Empower 500 Senior Citizens In Rivers

Published

7 hours ago

December 22, 2025

The Tide

The Renewed Hope Initiative in conjunction with the Rivers State Government has empowered 500 elderly citizens in Rivers State with financial support of N200,000 each.

The empowerment programme was part of activities to celebrate the third anniversary of the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme RHIESS, a social investment policy initiated by the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

Speaking at the event which held at the Government House, Port Harcourt, recently, under the theme, ‘Finding Joy in Old Age,’ Senator Tinubu said the gesture which has become traditional since 2023 was a mark of gratitude in recognition of the invaluable contributions of the senior citizens to nation building.

The First Lady who was represented by the wife of the Rivers State Governor and State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Initiative, Lady Valerie Fubara, said the scheme was to “support two hundred and fifty (250) vulnerable elderly citizens aged 65 and above in all the 36 states of the federation, the Federal Capital Territory, and veterans from the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA) totalling 9,500 selected beneficiaries across the nation.

She urged the beneficiaries to engage in activities that will make them find joy in old age.

“I encourage you to continue playing your part by staying healthy and active, nurture both your body and mind through regular exercise and meaningful engagement,” Senator Tinubu advised.

On her part, Lady Fubara said the State Government through the magnanimity of the governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has increased the beneficiaries of the programme from 250 to 500.

She restated the commitment of the State Government towards provision of social welfare and improving the standard of living of the elderly in the State.

Also speaking, the Executive Secretary, Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme (RIVCHPP), Dr Vetty Agala, said the State Government has through the Health4allrivers Initiative, introduced free medical care for senior citizens in the State, in line with the Renewed Hope Initiative.

News

Expedite Action On MBA Forex Operator’s Prosecution, Rivers NUJ Tells EFCC

Published

7 hours ago

December 22, 2025

The Tide

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Rivers State Council, has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to expedite the prosecution of the Director of the now distressed MBA Forex Trading, Mr. Maxwell Odum, in the interest of justice.

The Rivers State NUJ made the appeal during a courtesy visit to the EFFC’s Ag. Zonal Director, ACE Hassan Saidu, in Port Harcourt, recently.

The council’s chairman, Comrade Paul Bazia, said the appeal became imperative after it considered the number of Nigerians and others involved in the financial misconduct.

According to him, it has caused hardship among many households in the country and should be given the attention it deserves.

He said that investors cannot come into a country or invest in an economy or nation ridden with fraud.

This, he said, has made it more imperative to arrest, prosecute and convict alleged fraudsters like the MBA Forex Director, who is alleged to have defrauded thousands of unsuspecting Nigerians, to serve as a deterrent to others.

The chairman also requested that while the trial lasts, part of the swindled funds should be given to the victims that suffered loss and trauma as a result of the fraud.

The NUJ reiterated its resolve to change the narrative of reportage from crisis to developmental communication.

According to him, the NUJ’s main focus is blue economy and tourism.

He expressed the readiness of the Council to partner the agency in the area of information dissemination.

“We believe you have a responsibility to fight financial crimes. We also know that you need the Press to publicize your activities and NUJ can provide that,” he said.

Responding, the Zonal EFFC’s boss commended the NUJ’s vision to change the narrative of reporting from crisis to developmental communication.

According to Saidu, the Western world have since imbibed such culture, hence the negative stories about them are carefully sifted to allow only positive ones to be released to the outside world.

As for the trapped funds to be released, the EFCC Zonal Director stated that only the court can authorize such action, stressing that the primary responsibility of the Commission is to arrest and prosecute.

He pledged to partner with the NUJ now that the leadership has visited the Commission.

The Head of the Legal & Prosecution Department, DCE Odiase Stephen, corroborated the Zonal Director’s position and stressed that it was only when the matter has been determined by the court that such funds can be released.

He further stated that once a matter is before a court of competent jurisdiction, it cannot be discussed outside.

By: King Onunwor