Niger Delta

Dickson’s N70bn Airport Loses Operational Waiver

Published

6 years ago

January 17, 2020

There are widespread indications that the Governor Seriake Dickson built Bayelsa State International Airport may not soon be getting operational waiver from the Federal Aviation Authorities.
This is coming on the heels of the inspection tour Wednesday by officials of the Federal Ministry of Aviation of the state on preparedness of the Airport to be given a waiver to operate.
Our sources reports that the visibly angry Federal officials over the lack of facilities and professional manpower to man the Airport may impede the approval of the Airport.
The Airmen who concluded their inspection exercise without talking to the press who were on ground for reports were saddened by the absentee of lots of facilities which would have qualified the Airport for a waiver.
While all efforts to speak with Managing Director of the Airport, captain Jerry Williams failed our sources can confidently assert that the much touted project may be headed for a new round of failure of operational approval as a virtually all the members of the Federal Government team were alleged to have expressed worries on the possibilities of granting waiver to the Airport.
Newsmen who left disappointed however, were consoled by one of the members of the team who preferred the condition of anonymity, maintaining that they would only speak with the press when they meet with Governor Dickson in the cause of their duty.
You would recall that the Bayelsa International Airport located in the lands of Ikolo community in Yenagoa Local Government Area, Sabagreia in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area and Amassoma in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State under construction by the outgoing Governor Dickson’s has previously suffered a backlog of unapprovals by the Federal agencies involved in the Aviation Industry.
Recall former Governor of Bayelsa state,now Minister of State for Petroleum, Chief Timipre Sylva had criticized the Dickson’s administration on the amount spent on the Airport just as the Governor of Rivers State,Chief Nyesom Wike has lately also taken a swipe on Dickson for not embarking on projects that has direct impact on Bayelsans.
Governor Dickson had also reacted to some of these allegations.
However sources say this last minute attempt at securing an operational waiver from the team of the Aviation sector may not be unconnected to the Bayelsa state Governor’s effort to prove his detractors wrong.

Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa.

Niger Delta

Otu Recommits To Support For Navy

Published

2 days 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

2 days 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

2 days 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.