Niger Delta

Okowa Confirms Investors’ Interest In Kwale Industrial Park

Published

6 years ago

November 1, 2019

Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, has said some prospective investors in Kwale Industrial Park in the state, have indicated readiness to commit funds to the project and relocate to Nigeria.
Okowa made this known at The Natural Gas and Chemicals International Forum In Nanjing, China.
The event with the theme “Nigeria: The Kwale Industrial Park Investment Opportunity”, had investors, consultants, Federal Government delegation as well as delegation from the state in attendance.
The Governor expressed confidence that his trip to China was fruitful, adding that the industrial park project had been properly positioned before the international investing community.
”I have had the privilege of attending these strategic meetings and one of the companies which is a methanol company is ready to relocate to Nigeria.
”We had a very useful session, answering most of their questions and also asking them questions which they’ve provided answers to.
”We are hoping that within the next two weeks there will be a communication between them and our team.
”The Chairman of the company is also looking
forward to being in Nigeria before the end of November and all things being normal, we hope that by next year, they will be in Delta at the Kwale Industrial Park to begin the process of construction
”Deltans have also been reassured of our commitment to ensuring that the Kwale Industrial Park project comes to fruition,” he said.
The governor said that the state government was aware of the advantage of the industrial park to the state, adding that his delegation
was in china to market the project.
”We have worked with technical partners who are knowledgeable and we have done a lot of work.
”The process started about 18 months ago and the responses we are getting from here is very reassuring.
”I ask our people to continue to ensure a peaceful environment which is necessary to attract the enterprises that we need to deliver this project,” he added.
In his remarks, a Federal Government Representative, Mr Peter Ekwozo, restated the commitment of federal s initiative in attracting foreign direct investment in methanol fuel industry.
government towards supporting Governor Okowa’s initiative in attracting foreign direct investment in methanol fuel industry.
Ekwozo, who is a director in the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, said: “This is an excellent move by Delta State Government.
”This will involve so much because of the value chain effect; there will be so many spills off industries that will create jobs and generate wealth.
”It will also take Nigerian youths off the streets.”
He added, saying, “Methanol fuel is actually targeted at five sectors that the federal government has committed to the global community under the Paris Agreement that will be coming into effect next year.
”I just want to tell the governor that he should keep it up, look at where he is now, he is far ahead of the federal government so, this policy will help him to further drive this project.”

Albert OGRAKA, Asaba

Niger Delta

Uyo High Court Awards Damages To Masquerade Over Arrest

Published

5 days ago

December 8, 2025

The Tide

A High Court in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, has awarded damages to a masquerade who was arrested by the State Police Command for allegedly disturbing public peace during traditional worship rites.

The arrest followed an executive order reportedly issued by the State Governor, directing the Commissioner of Police to detain any masquerade seen performing during the Yuletide period.

Acting on this directive, a masquerade, identified as Mr. Effiong, a practitioner of traditional worship, was arrested and subsequently charged to court.

In a landmark ruling, the court sided with Mr. Effiong and his custodian, affirming that Ekpo, a recognised traditional religious practice in Akwa Ibom State, is protected under the law, and that its adherents are entitled to the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution.

The judge held that Mr. Effiong’s arrest and detention violated his rights to personal liberty and freedom of religion.

The court ordered his immediate and unconditional release and directed the Akwa Ibom State Government to pay damages for the infringement of his fundamental human rights and freedom of worship.

Human rights experts have hailed the judgment as a significant affirmation of Nigeria’s constitutional protection of traditional religious practices, emphasising the importance of respecting the country’s cultural and religious diversity.

By: Enoch Epelle

Niger Delta

MOSIEND Seeks Water Projects In Buguma From NDDC … Urges RSG To Revamp Fish Farm

Published

5 days ago

December 8, 2025

The Tide

The Movement for the Survival of the Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND) has called on the Management of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to embark on water projects in Buguma city in Asari Toru Local Government Area (ASALGA), Rivers State

The Group also called on the Rivers State government to revamp the Buguma fish farm to create employment for the teeming youths.

On the water project in Buguma, MOSIEND said the population of Buguma has increased tremendously and that the residents need more water projects to enhance the daily livelihood of the people.

The Group also appealed to the Chairman of the LGA to assist in making the project a reality and also attract more developmental projects to the LGA.

MOSIEND’s Eastern Zonal Coordinator, Half Hour, Comrade Tammy Bruce Longjohn, made the call on a radio programme in Rhythm 93.7fm, “Talk of the Town”.

LongJohn, who made the call alongside the Chairman of MOSIEND in Buguma, Mark Ojuka, and his counterpart in Obuama, Hon. Sandra Owunari, also called on the Management of Nigeria Liquidifed Natural Gas (NLNG) to embark on a free medical outreach in all Kalabari communities to improve their health status.

He appealed to NLNG to award scholarship to indigens of Kalabari communities in tertiary institutions to better their education, noting that the company is doing same in Bonny, while abandoning Kalabari communities

“We need contracts, free medicals, scholarships and employment, including skill acquisition programmes for our teeming youths in Kalabari extractions”, LongJohn stated.

On Security, Mark Ojuka said security in Buguma is at zero level with the help of the Amama soldiers, saying “the city is more peaceful and investor-friendly as the youths of the area have cordial relationship with the security agencies in the area.

“Security is very secured in Buguma clan”

On revamping the Buguma fish farm, he said, “The youths are asking for human capacity building in the area to reduce unemployment.

“The revamping of the Buguma fish farm will also reduce youth violence.”

By: Chinedu Wosu

Niger Delta

Make God Your Anchor To Fulfill Destiny, Cleric Charges Christians … As Jaja Marks 70th Birthday

Published

1 week ago

December 5, 2025

The Tide

The Lead Pastor at Jesus Appointed People’s Bible Church, Ozogbe, Ikwerrengwo-Etche, in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State, Pastor Promise Nwaelele, has urged Christians to make God the anchor of their lives in whatever position they find themselves, in order to attain the destinies set for them by God.

Pastor Nwaelele, who gave the charge recently in a sermon he preached at the 70th birthday anniversary thanksgiving service of Sir Donald Michael Jaja, a veteran journalist in Rivers State, said this is because any genuine child of God is a permanent target for destabilization and destruction by the devil.

Taking his text from the Bible book of Mark 4:16-17, the preacher stated that fulfilment in life for a child of God required faith, obedience to God’s word, humility and grace to withstand trials and temptations.

According to him, temptations and afflictions are bound to happen in the lives of those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

“No wonder the Bible said that those that endure till the end shall be saved”, he said.

The Clergyman said God prospers believers who are humble, not proud and conceited, and leads them to destiny fulfilment.

“David said in Psalm 51:17, that the sacrifices acceptable to God are a broken spirit, not an impatient or proud spirit”, the preacher said.

He called on Christians not to allow persecutions and afflictions to sway them from the love and blessings of Jesus Christ.

On his part, Jaja, a seasoned Journalist who retired as an Acting Editor of the Rivers State Government-owned The Tide Newspaper, gave thanks to God for honouring him by giving him the grace of attaining 70 years.

“I cannot capture what the good Lord has done for me in my entire life in this fleeting moment of thanksgiving. But, I know that without Him, I wouldn’t have been who I am today, in all spheres. Therefore, my joy knows no bounds as I give thanks to my creator today, alongside my family. Praise be His holy name”, Jaja said.