Niger Delta

‘Hosting NAFEST’ll Help Us To Harness Tourism Potentials’

Published

6 years ago

October 23, 2019

Chairmen of Local Government Areas of Edo State, have expressed readiness to use the opportunity of the 2019 National Festival for Arts and Culture (NAFEST) being hosted in the State to harness the tourism potentials of their various council areas.
The Chairmen spoke on the sidelines of the opening ceremony of this year’s NAFEST in Benin on Monday.
While commending the state government for hosting NAFEST, they stressed the advantage of showcasing the culture in the state to the world.
They noted that hosting the cultural festival by the government was not misplaced priority, as the state was known to be the cradle of civilisation as well as home of art and culture.
Chairman of Ovia South West Local Government Area (LGA), Mr Destiny Enabulele, described the hosting of the festival as the right step to take at this time.
He said Ovia LGA would build on whatever would be the outcome of the festival.
According to him, this hosting has further demonstrated that Edo is the home of arts and culture and also the cradle of civilisation.
He concluded by saying that the hosting would impact positively on the economy of the state.
Ovia North East LGA council boss, Mr Scott Ogbemudia, while commending the people and government of Edo, said it had provided an opportunity for the council to harness its tourism potential.
“You can see the desire in all of us to celebrate our culture; we are using this to show the world the uniqueness of our culture.
“In Ovia North East, we have a unique story and tourism potential that we will be showcasing. The council area is home to where Oba Ovonramwen was taken to Calabar and many more.
“All these are what we will be showcasing to the world,” he said.
The 18 council areas of the state were present at opening ceremony with their cultural troupes.
The Tide’s source reports that the seven-day cultural show would be held at four different venues in the ancient city; Oba’s Palace, UNIBEN Sports Complex, Benin Golf Club and Oba Akenzua Cultural Centre.
The State Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Tourism, Mr Osemwengie Ero, said that the festival would provide further cultural integration among the states of the federation.
He said the festival with the theme: “Our Royalty, Our Pride”, signifies the pride and dignity of Benin.
The source also reports that 500, 000 visitors from the 36 states of the federation, including the Federal Capital Territory(FCT) and six countries are expected to participate in this year’s edition of the NAFEST.

Niger Delta

Otu Recommits To Support For Navy

Published

11 hours ago

March 23, 2026

The Tide

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.

Niger Delta

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

Published

11 hours ago

March 23, 2026

The Tide

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

Niger Delta

Delta Shocked Over Death Of Chief Protocol Officer

Published

11 hours ago

March 23, 2026

The Tide

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.