Niger Delta

Rivers Community Confers Chieftaincy Titles On Diri, Dickson

Published

4 years ago

March 11, 2022

The Ataba Kingdom in Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State has conferred on Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, the title of ‘Oro-Ata 1’ (one who does good to his people).
Seriake Dickson, Governor Diri’s predecessor and Senator representing Bayelsa West Senatorial district was also bestowed with the chieftaincy title, the ‘Utoron 1 of Ataba’( the ‘light of the community”), just as the Ataba’ kingdom also named two roads in their kingdom after the illustrious sons of the Ijaw nation.
The Okaan-Ama of Ataba Kingdom, King Benson Mgbowaji Egwenre, Oruk XVII, made the pronouncement at the weekend during the Bayelsa’s Governor and his predecessor’s courtesy visit to his palace.
King Egwenre said the Ataba Divisional Council of Chiefs, on behalf of the kingdom, honoured both leaders for showing uncommon love to its indigenes through appointment in their government in Bayelsa State.
Describing their presence in Ataba as historic, the monarch noted that over the years, Bayelsa had demonstrated an unbroken love for his people from the days of the late Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha as governor of the state.
He said it takes one with a large heart to consider the whole of the Ijaw Nation as his constituency, noting that Diri has kept the legacies he inherited by appointing their son, Mr. Erasmus Patrick, as Commissioner for Ijaw National Affairs as well as seeing to the emergence of another Ataba son, Deacon Timothy Igbifa, as president of the Ijaw Youth Council.
Responding on behalf of himself and Governor Diri, the former Governor, Senator Dickson thanked the king and people of Ataba for the honour, saying that the action and intention of promoting Ijaw nationalism made Bayelsa the centerpiece and that he gave Bayelsa the appellation; ‘the Jerusalem of Ijaw nation’.
He added that the people of Ataba and the entire Andoni believe in the Ijaw cause and have over the years produced sons and daughters that have served and are still serving the Ijaw nation in various capacities.
The Senator described Elder Patrick Erasmus whom he said was a former Ijaw National Congress stalwart, and Prince Uche Secondus, former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, as well as retired Major Lancelot Ayanya, as great friends of Bayelsa and dependable brothers, just as he eulogised Governor Diri, noting that since assuming office, Diri has continued to promote Ijaw nationalism because he understood the imperative of unity and solidarity of the Ijaw nation, being a product of the Ijaw struggle.
Later, at the funeral of Madam Henrietta Fimie Patrick, mother of Erasmus Patrick, Governor Diri thanked God for the life of the matriarch, who lived for 102 years, adding though the gathering was a solemn one, there was need to celebrate a life well spent and rejoice with the Patrick family and the Ataba people.
The Bayelsa chief executive described the late matriarch as the Esther of her time; beautiful not only physically but also in her heart.
“As solemn as today is, it calls for celebration because God gave Mama the grace to live for 102 years. So we are here to join our friend and brother, Erasmus Patrick, the Patrick family and the people of Ataba to celebrate our mother whom God has called home.
“Going through her biography, clearly she was an Esther, a beautiful woman not only physically but also beautiful in her heart. For that reason, everybody calls her the ‘Nma of Ataba’ “.
“Let me on behalf of the government and good people of Bayelsa State extend our condolences to the Patrick family and the people of Ataba Kingdom”, he said.
Highpoint of the event was the unveiling of the Chief Senator DouyeDiri, the ‘Oro-Ata 1’ of Ataba Kingdom road.

By: AriweraIbibo-Howells, Yenagoa

Niger Delta

Oborevwori Launches Medical Outreach For Children With Special Needs

Published

5 hours ago

February 16, 2026

The Tide

The Wife of Delta State Governor, Mrs. Tobore Oborevwori, has launched a free medical outreach for children with special needs in Delta South.

The event, which attracted scores of caregivers, medical professionals, and government functionaries, took place at Dom Domingos College, Warri.

It was organised by the governor’s wife’s pet project, “You Matter Charity Foundation”, in partnership with the State Ministry of Health.

In a speech at the event, Oborevwori said the initiative sought to promote public awareness about autism and other notable infants’ developmental conditions.

She said the programme also aimed ”to eliminate stigma and encourage inclusion of persons living with disabilities.”

According to her, the outreach is structured to cover the state’s three senatorial districts.

She noted that the programme took place earlier in Ughelli, Delta Central, where beneficiaries received medications and assistive devices, including educational materials to support learning among children with special needs.

Oborevwori, who thanked residents and local government chairmen in Delta South for their cooperation, also commended the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, and medical teams for their dedication to the success of the programme.

She admonished parents and caregivers to continue to show patience, compassion, and understanding towards children with special needs.

The Tide’s source reports that health workers from the ministry and Primary Healthcare Development Agency participated in the programme.

In her remark, the Director-General of the foundation, Mrs. Lawrentta Ogbedo, said the outreach would reduce financial pressure on families that have children with special needs.

She underscored the importance of early diagnosis and consistent medical attention for such children.

The Chairman of Warri South LGA, Mr. Isaac Agbateyiniro, thanked the governor’s wife for the initiative, and described her kind intervention as ”timely and beneficial to struggling families”.

Also, the Chairman, Post Primary Education Board, Mr. Samuel Mariere, applauded the foundation’s effort in extending support to children with special needs in society.

Mariere said the programme had provided hope and practical support to many households.

The source reports that the event featured free medical consultations and treatment for children.

Also, health experts delivered talks on autism awareness, care strategies, and social acceptance.

Participants were also enlightened on the legal protections against discrimination for persons with disabilities.

Other highlights included the distribution of wheelchairs, medications, and assistive materials, among other items, to the beneficiaries.

Niger Delta

UniCal Commits To Nursing Education Dev In C’River

Published

5 hours ago

February 16, 2026

The Tide

The Vice Chancellor, University of Calabar (UniCal), Prof. Offiong Offiong, has reiterated the institution’s commitment towards supporting the growth of nursing education in the state.

Offiong, who made the statement recently in Calabar when members of the Basic Nursing and Midwifery Sciences Certificate Affiliation Committee visited him in his office, said as a federal university located in Cross River State, the institution would remain committed to the development of the state and the wellbeing of its residents.

The Vice Chancellor said UniCal would strategically collaborate with the state government to ensure improved healthcare education, professional training and standards.

“I commend the state government for expanding nursing institutions, this development has stimulated youth interest in health-related careers.

“We shall revisit the affiliation process to ensure compliance with national and international academic standards,” he said.

Offiong continued that curriculum review, adequate academic staffing and strict quality assurance measures would be given priority attention in the process.

He urged the state government to provide logistics support to students undertaking clinical postings in health facilities.

Leader of the delegation, Dr. Henry Ayuk, congratulated Offiong on his appointment as the Vice Chancellor of the university.

Ayuk, who’s also the Commissioner for Health in the State, commended the university for its contributions to the growth of the health sector.

He said the Bassey Otu-led government was committed to deepening collaboration with the university in order to strengthen nursing education and healthcare delivery.

The team leader expressed optimism that the partnership would boost professional training, institutional development and healthcare outcomes in the state.

Niger Delta

Agency Demolishes Illegal Roadside Structures In Delta N8 by … Clears Street Traders

Published

5 hours ago

February 16, 2026

The Tide

The Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency has commenced the removal of illegal roadside structures and street traders across Asaba.

The enforcement drive targeted areas where traders and makeshift stalls have taken over roads, walkways and drainage channels.

Speaking during the exercise, the Director-General of the agency, Mr. Patrick Ukah, said the action was necessary due to the growing safety concerns caused by unchecked roadside trading.

Ukah said the action formed part of a broader urban renewal programme aimed at improving sanitation, reducing traffic congestion and enhancing road safety.

He noted that the activities had disrupted traffic flow and exposed motorists and pedestrians to avoidable dangers.

According to him, the agency’s action is not directed at individuals but aimed at restoring order and enforcing existing regulations.

Ukah warned that the agency would not tolerate activities that deface the capital or threaten public safety.

He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to maintaining a clean, safe and orderly capital, saying a well-managed Asaba remains vital to the image of the state and its development.

Urging affected traders to relocate to approved government markets across the city, Ukah said the operation would continue and might be extended to other locations if violations persist.

Major locations affected include Akpu Junction, Marble Hill Junction, and the Arcade near Ogbeogonogo Market.

The Tide’s source reports that in addition to dismantling illegal structures, the agency intensified sanitation efforts along major roads.

Special attention was given to the Mammy Market and Traffic Light axis of Asaba to sustain cleanliness.

The agency’s Head of Environment, Mr. Isaac Nwosu, said the teams would ensure compliance and prevent a return of illegal roadside activities.

Nwosu called on residents and traders to support the agency by adhering to environmental regulations.