Niger Delta

AC Wants Presidency To Probe Sylva’s Financial Dealings

Published

16 years ago

November 25, 2009

The Bayelsa State chapter of Action Congress (AC) has called on the Federal Government and other relevant agencies to probe the financial dealings of the State Governor, Chief Timipre Sylva.

The party also condemned what it called sponsorship of “frivolous events” that do not have any bearing on the needed development of the state or reduce the poverty level among the people.

An open letter addressed to the president, and signed by the Acting Chairman of the party, Comrade Miriki Ebikibina and made available to newsmen in Yenagoa, drew the attention of the presidency to crisis within the state branch of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and stressed the need for intervention.

The AC noted that the use of dynamites and other dangerous weapons against the opposition is causing tension, insecurity and fear among the peace loving people of Bayelsa.

It stated that although the issue of security lies with the governor “it seems, the governor has joined in destabilising the state with the recent warning and threat issued to opposition parties – including AC by his special adviser on security, Chief Richard Kpodo”.

“If really the claim by the governor’s aide that government will not spare any individual or group of persons is anything to go by, the governor should work with security operatives to fish out those involved in the renewed violence and stop chasing shadows”.

AC state chairman, however, stated that it cannot be cajoled, threatened or intimidated by the agents of state government from exposing the grey areas of government.

Niger Delta

Oborevwori Boosts Digitalisation With Ulesson 500 Tablets To Pupils, Students

Published

28 mins ago

July 11, 2025

The Tide

In a move to promote digital literacy and educational inclusion, the First Lady of Delta State, Her Excellency, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, has distributed 500 uLesson tablets to students in public primary and secondary schools across the state.

The distribution, which took place recently at Government House, Asaba, was carried out in collaboration with the Renewed Hope Initiative and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

Speaking at the event, Deaconess Oborevwori described the gesture as a meaningful investment in the future of Delta State’s children.

“Again, we are giving students from the Primary, Junior, and Senior Secondary Schools five hundred uLesson tablets, one hundred for Primary, two hundred for Junior Secondary, and two hundred for Senior Secondary schools”, she stated.

She explained that the initiative is part of a broader mission to equip students with the tools needed to succeed in a digital world.

“This is a Renewed Hope Initiative and NDDC educational collaboration,” she noted.

The First Lady expressed hope that the tablets would inspire independent learning and improved academic performance, especially among students in underserved communities.

“It is my earnest prayer that whatever we are giving will multiply a hundredfold in Jesus’ name”, she concluded.

In her welcome address, the Wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Catherine Onyeme, described the initiative as a reflection of the administration’s commitment to empowerment.

“This is what this government is known for, enriching and empowering the people around us”, she said, calling the effort “a beacon of progress.”

Mrs. Onyeme also addressed traders present at the event, encouraging them to use the support they received with care and purpose.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Primary Education, Dr. Kingsley Ashibogwu, highlighted the importance of technology in expanding the horizons of young learners.

“With access to the internet, children can do a lot using this tablet. This gadget will enable them to continue conquering the world”, he remarked.

He also praised the state government’s commitment to security and holistic development.

Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mrs. Rose Ezewu, also commended Deaconess Oborevwori and the First Lady of Nigeria for their roles in inspiring hope and uplifting the younger generation.

The event featured the distribution of 500 uLesson tablets to students, gas ovens for bakers, grinding machines for traders, and cash grants to support small businesses.

Beneficiaries expressed appreciation to the Wife of the Governor and the First Lady of Nigeria for the support and encouragement.

Albert Ograka, Asaba

Niger Delta

Commissioner Explains Oborevwori’s Retirement Age Extentoon For Associate Profs

Published

31 mins ago

July 11, 2025

The Tide

The Commissioner for Higher Education in Delta State, Professor Nyerhovwo Tonukari, has explained the decision of the State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, to extend the retirement age of Associate Professors in the state-owned universities from 65 to 70 years.

He said the decision was driven by a need to strengthen the academic system, deepen postgraduate programmes, and ensure the mentorship of younger lecturers across the state’s expanding higher institutions.

Professor Tonukari, who made this known during an interview, described the move as a compassionate and timely decision by the Governor to strengthen the academic workforce in the state.

He said the approval was a compassionate and strategic move to align with Federal Government policy and support the evolving needs of the state’s university system.

The Commissioner explained that although the federal law was amended in 2012 and domesticated in Delta for Delta State University, Governor Oborevwori has now approved its full implementation across all state universities to enhance academic quality and institutional growth.

“In 2012, the Federal Government amended the law to extend the retirement age of academic staff in the professorial cadre to 70 years, while non-academic staff retire at 65.

“Delta State domesticated the law for Delta State University at the time, and now His Excellency has magnanimously extended it to Associate Professors across all state universities”, Tonukari explained.

He dismissed concerns that raising the retirement age would block opportunities for younger academics, noting that the state’s massive expansion of its tertiary institutions under Governor Oborevwori’s administration has created more academic space and employment opportunities.

“Since 2023, over 600 academic and non-academic staff have been employed across the four state universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education due to ongoing institutional growth and accreditation drives”, he stated.

The Commissioner highlighted significant expansion projects in institutions such as Southern Delta University, Ozoro; Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba; University of Delta, Agbor; and the newly established campus of the Southern Delta University, Orerokpe, saying these campuses have nearly doubled in size and capacity.

He also emphasized the importance of the extended retirement age in fostering strong postgraduate programmes, as more experienced academic staff are needed to mentor junior lecturers and lay the foundation for robust research and academic excellence.

“This decision is timely. For the first time, we are seeing very strong postgraduate programmes emerge in Delta State’s universities. These senior academics will guide the next generation and ensure the sustainability of quality education in the state”, Tonukari said.

He reiterated the Oborevwori administration’s unwavering support for education, describing it as a cornerstone for long-term development and capacity building in Delta State.

Albert Ograka, Asaba

Niger Delta

C’River Focused On Youth Empowerment – Commissioner

Published

53 mins ago

July 11, 2025

The Tide

The Government of Cross River State says it has initiated three flagship programmes aimed at engaging youths in the state, and to discourage crime.

The state Commissioner for Youth Development and Skills Acquisition, Mr. Ijom Ukam, made this known in an interview with The Tide’s source in Calabar.

He listed the programmes as: skill-in-the-hand initiative, one youth two skills programme, the back-to-land initiative.

He said the three programmes were aimed at creating opportunities for the youths to excel in their chosen endeavours.

According to Ukam, the programmes will also provide sustainable means of livelihood for the growing population of youths in the state, adding that about 1500 youths have benefitted from these programmes.

“One of the programmes is called skills-in-the-hands initiative. The goal of this initiative is to ensure that every youth possesses at least two skills, regardless of their educational background.

“This approach serves as a replacement for “Food on the Table”, that enrolled hundreds of youths onto the state’s payroll, providing them with salaries for the duration of the administration.

“We also have the ‘One Youth, Two Skills’ programme, which is in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development of Abuja, and then we also have the ‘Back-to-Land initiative’.

“These three flagship initiatives are geared towards engaging our young people productively.

“Now, you will understand with me that we cannot guarantee employment for all the young people who are seeking employment.

“But we try to make sure that we can supplement the government’s effort in terms of employment by creating opportunities for young people to learn skills”, he said.

The commissioner said the youths are not just trained in various aspects of skills, but are also exposed to sources of funding and, in some cases, provided with startup capital.

He noted that in achieving this, the state went into partnership with some organisations such as Lafarge, NDDC, Skyrun International.

Ukam noted that the training on various skills was not limited to Nigeria, adding that some trainees have also been sent abroad.

He said government aims to train thousands of youths in various skills as part of efforts to empower young people, create wealth, and reduce youth restiveness in the state.