Nation

Unite To Achieve Dev, FG Tells Ogonis …Denies Issuing New OMLs To Firms

Published

8 years ago

May 7, 2018

In order to attract meaningful sustainable development going forward, the federal government has challenged the people of Ogoni in Rivers State, to fashion out united and dignified front with a common voice to table their problems for solutions.

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr Ibe Kachikwu, who stated this during a roundtable dialogue with enlarged Ogoni stakeholders at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Tower, Abuja, last Thursday, emphasised that it was only when the people form a strong team of impeccable leaders would the government take them seriously, and religiously address emerging problems hindering progress in the area.

Kachikwu explained that the age-long distrust and lack of confidence in government has negatively impacted on development in Ogoniland, reassuring that the federal government was committed to the development of Ogoni communities.

The minister noted that the government was interested in addressing all outstanding issues of concern to Ogoni people, including the holistic clean-up of Ogoniland in line with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Report Recommendations, resumption of oil exploration, inclusive participation in governance and execution of development projects in the area, stressing that the activation of all these would create jobs, unleash small and medium scale businesses to drive economic growth, and fast-track peace and development.

He specifically noted misconceptions that the federal government had issued operating license to RoboMichael to explore for hydrocarbons in Ogoniland, which had ignited perceived tension in the area, but clarified that what the government did was basically to authorise the issuance of preliminary licence to the indigenous oil firm to enable it engage the people and test its capacity to deliver mutually beneficial business interests to all stakeholders in Ogoni.

Kachikwu reminded the delegation of the importance of getting it right this time around by understanding and keying into all activities presently ongoing in Ogoniland, adding that the Ogoni question was no longer a local issue, but an international one that requires strategic partnership of all players, including Ken Saro-Wiwa Associates, traditional rulers, youth and professional groups, KAGOTE and the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP) to achieve consensus on issues and meaningful development.

“I am very committed to finding solutions to these problems. There was no reason to stop oil exploration, provided it was done properly. The ideas have been met, but there is need to move forward. Oil communities must not be neglected in anyway, there are vital components, which the federal government must look into critically in addressing the issues in Ogoniland,” he added.

He reminded the leaders of Ogoni that confrontation would never solve any problems in the area in particular, and the entire Niger Delta in general, saying, “We must find a way to sincere and honest engagement. When you break pipeline, we all suffer it; so, the best option I think is to engage aggressively.

“We are compelled by the constraint of time to do the needful because oil that is not extracted for 25 years could be explosive once it finds a little window of escape,” Kachikwu said, insisting that the government was not interested in any particular oil company resuming exploration activities in Ogoniland and would only give nod to companies that have shown not just capacity to deploy best technology and global best practices but have integrity, trust and confidence of the people.

The minister expressed happiness at the success of the meeting, and promised to hold subsequent meetings in Ogoniland, admitting that the people would feel a sense of belonging when government interacts with the grassroots more regularly and delivers on agreements reached.

Earlier, the National Coordinator, Ken Saro-Wiwa Associates, Chief Gani Topba had submitted a list of demands of Ogoni people to the minister, including regular meetings to resolve issues relating to resumption of oil exploration, SPDC apology to Ogoni people on the murder of late Kenule Saro-Wiwa, federal government’s exoneration of the Ogoni Nine, connection of all Ogoni communities to the national grid, youth employment, among others.

Topba assured that once SPDC was able to apologise for the Ogoni massacre, KSWA would take the initiative to mobilize the people to ensure that SPDC resumes oil exploration in Ogoniland.

Also speaking, MOSOP President, Legborsi Pyagbara accused the federal government of causing the problem in Ogoniland, and challenged the government to implement the letters of the Ogoni Bill of Rights and the Justice Oputa Panel Report as it concerns the Ogoni question.

Pyagbara expressed the hope that a better framework would be put together to drive result-oriented engagements with the people of Ogoni going forward, and noted with regret that it took the minister so much time to do the needful in order to restore peace in Ogoni.

Ogoni delegation to the parley included the leadership of MOSOP, KSWA, KAGOTE, representatives of traditional rulers, youth and professional groups, among others.

In addition to the top echelon of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), the other oil companies at the meeting were the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC), a subsidiary of NNPC; SPDC; and RoboMichael.

Susan Serekara-Nwikhana

Nation

Cleric Preaches Love As Deputy Governor, Chief Judge Grace Wedding In PH

Published

14 hours ago

January 9, 2026

The Tide

The Presiding Bishop of Kingdom Life Gospel Ministries Outreach, Port Harcourt, Bishop Victor Uzosike, has described love as the bedrock of human existence, family stability and societal harmony, stressing that without love, nothing meaningful can thrive.

Bishop Uzosike made this assertion while speaking to journalists during the wedding ceremony of his daughter, Praise Uzosike, to Architect Chibuzor Akubueze on Saturday, December 20, 2025. The solemnisation was held at the Kingdom Life Gospel Ministries Outreach, Port Harcourt, and was attended by dignitaries from across Nigeria and beyond.

According to the cleric, love is not only the foundation of relationships but also a powerful force that determines the success of individuals, families and communities.

“If you do not love a place, that place will not bless you. If you do not love your children, they will not be useful to you. If you do not love your family, your family will become a strange island to you. What you do not love, you do not have. Love is the key,” he said.

Reflecting on his family’s journey, Bishop Uzosike said God’s love had sustained them through seasons of challenges and triumphs, noting that unity had remained their greatest strength.

“We have stayed together as one family. God has shown us love in miraculous and mysterious ways, especially during difficult times,” he stated.

Describing the wedding as an amazing and beautiful experience, the bishop expressed appreciation for the show of love from his daughter’s friends, many of whom travelled from the United Kingdom and Ghana to attend the ceremony. He revealed that some of them personally paid for their flights and accommodation, which he described as a rare display of genuine friendship.

He also disclosed that his first daughter, who lives in Manchester, United Kingdom, with her husband, could not attend the wedding due to tight schedules, but noted that she remains happily married and fulfilled.

While thanking guests for honouring his family with their presence, prayers and goodwill, Bishop Uzosike said he felt proud and grateful to God.

“One of the greatest gifts God can give to a man is children who are sound in all ramifications. My children can see, hear, speak and walk. That alone is enough reason to be grateful,” he said.

He praised the bride, describing Praise as an exceptional achiever who had distinguished herself academically. According to him, she completed secondary school at 15, graduated with First Class honours at 19, and earned distinctions in her MBA as well as her first and second master’s degrees.

“For a long time, people believed that highly educated women may not marry early or at all. Today, Praise has proved otherwise. She has made her mother and me very proud,” he said, describing her as a rare gem.

Bishop Uzosike also expressed joy over his son-in-law, whom he described as God-fearing, disciplined and professionally sound.

“He is well brought up, passionate about God and morally upright. His parents did a great job. My wife, Pastor Esther, also did an excellent job,” he added.

The wedding ceremony attracted prominent personalities, including the Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Prof. Ngozi Odu; the Chief Judge of Bayelsa State, Justice Matilda Ayemeyie; and several senior clerics.

Bishop Fidelis Ugbong officiated the solemnisation, while Apostle Chika Onuzo delivered the sermon, identifying communication, sex and money as key factors that can strengthen or weaken marriages.

Prof. Ngozi Odu also prayed for the couple and paid glowing tributes, drawing admiration from attendees.

The reception, held at the Golden Tulip Hotel, Port Harcourt, was equally colourful. Justice Matilda Ayemeyie proposed the toast, describing marriage as not always a bed of roses and emphasising patience, commitment and understanding.

The event was chaired by Chief Henry Nwabugo and attended by notable personalities, including retired Supreme Court Justice Mary Odili; Apostle David Zilly-Aggrey; Hon. Otunba Jumbo; Nze Best Anele; and Prof. Henry Ogiri, among others.

Guests were entertained with dance performances by the couple, while the parents’ outing added elegance to the celebration. The master of ceremonies, Ambassador Kingsley, kept the audience engaged with humour and interactive sessions.

Overall, the wedding was a remarkable blend of spirituality, culture and celebration, marked by love, joy and unforgettable moments.

Nation

Firefighters battle New Year Day inferno in Abuja, several states

Published

1 week ago

January 2, 2026

The Tide

Federal Fire Service FFS entered the New Year on full operational alert, tackling multiple fire outbreaks across the country from midnight into the early hours of January 1, 2026, in what officials described as one of the busiest festive-season deployments in recent years.

The intensified nationwide response followed a December 2025 directive issued by the Controller General of the Federal Fire Service, Olumode Samuel Adeyemi, who had ordered that no firefighter should proceed on leave throughout the holidays.

According to a statement by the National Public Relations Officer and Head of Corporate Services of the FFS, DCF Paul Abraham, the no-leave policy proved critical as the Service moved swiftly to contain fires in several states.

The Federal Capital Territory FCT recorded its first fire incident of the year barely twenty-three minutes after midnight when flames erupted at Cake Hot Restaurant located within River Plate Park, Wuse, Abuja.

Abraham said fire crews from the Federal Fire Service and the FCT Fire Service arrived promptly and were able to stop the blaze before it could spread through the popular recreational centre.

While a section of the garden area was destroyed, no lives were lost and no injuries were recorded.

Officials said property worth an estimated ?1.5 billion was saved, although losses were placed at about ?500 million.

“Preliminary findings suggested that the fire was triggered by objects thrown during New Year celebrations, reinforcing long-standing warnings over the dangers posed by fireworks during the harmattan season”, the Service said.

The Controller General had repeatedly urged Nigerians to avoid fireworks, candles and open flames indoors, warning that the dry winds characteristic of the season allow fires to spread rapidly.

He also warned the public about electrical faults and power surges and advised that electrical appliances be switched off and unplugged when not in use or when occupants leave their homes, stressing that overloading sockets and extension boxes remains a significant cause of domestic fires.

Nation

Enugu North LG chairman presents ?10.8bn 2026 Budget, prioritises roads …Security, Healthcare, Human Capital Development

Published

1 week ago

January 2, 2026

The Tide

Chairman of Enugu North Local Government Area in Enugu State, Dr. Ibenaku Harford Onoh, has presented a Ten Billion Eight Hundred Million Naira (?10.8bn) 2026 budget to the legislative council of the local government.

The budget, tagged “Budget of Continued Growth and Consolidation,” was presented on Wednesday during a plenary session attended by councillors, department heads, and other stakeholders.

Dr. Onoh explained that the 2026 budget is designed to consolidate achievements recorded in 2025 while scaling up development across the council’s 13 wards. Priority areas include road infrastructure, grassroots security, healthcare delivery, youth empowerment, and digital governance.

He also reviewed the 2025 budget performance, highlighting significant revenue growth and successful completion of key projects. Notably, the council’s internally generated revenue more than doubled, attributed to the introduction of digital revenue collection platforms and other innovative measures.

Among the 2025 achievements, Dr. Onoh mentioned the reconstruction of major roads at European Quarters, Hilltop, Coal Camp, and Ukwa Street, Ihewuishi, as well as the upgrade of the local security architecture through the reorganisation of the neighbourhood watch into “The City Watch.”

On the 2026 budget, the chairman stated that projected revenue would come from statutory allocations, VAT, internally generated revenue, and counterpart funding through public-private partnerships.

He noted that capital expenditure would take the larger share of the budget, with over half allocated to the economic sector. Planned projects include:

Completion of transport terminals at Aria Market

Construction and reconstruction of urban roads

Establishment of two sports centres

Healthcare interventions

Youth skills development programmes.

Dr. Onoh emphasised that the projects, policies, and programmes outlined in the budget are aimed at complementing the initiatives of Governor Peter Ndubisi Mbah, who is setting standards for local government councils to follow.

Responding, the Leader of the Legislative Council, Rt. Hon. Chizoba Nnamani, said the budget would be carefully scrutinised in the interest of residents before its passage.