Niger Delta

First Passenger Flight Lands In Asaba

Published

14 years ago

July 21, 2011

The first commercial fight with passengers from Abuja landed at the Asaba International Airport. The 48-seater Overland aircraft with registration number 5N-BND arrived the airport with 20 passengers on board.

One of the passengers who spoke to reporters Engr. Sam Arowosafe commended the standard of the airport.

Engr. Arowosafe said the completion of the airport was a good development as it would boost the economic development of the state. His word: “This is a good development. We are happy to be here and it will reduce cost”.

He was optimistic that the airport would take Delta state to the top.

Another passenger Hon. Ezechi Nwoye was full of praise for the administration of Governor Uduaghan especially for constructing the airport.

Hon. Nwoye said Asaba International Airport has made air transport easy for the people living in Anambra state.

He explained that before now they travelled to Benin Airport for all their movements but with the commencement of commercial flights in Asaba, it would cost them less to travel by air.

Emphasizing further, he said “Dr. Uduaghan is doing well. We from Anambra State will not be going to Benin again as it is easier and cheaper for us here in Asaba.

The State Governor who came from Abuja with the same Overland flight, expressed appreciation to God for a dream that has manifested into concrete reality.

Dr. Uduaghan who fielded questions from journalists said the completion of an airport takes a long time.

He explained that even the best airport in the world still has some minor works going on either in form of renovation or adding more facilities.

The Governor therefore appealed to Nigerians to be patient and follow the trend in Airport development as it was not easy to completely finish work in an airport in one swoop.

Dr. Uduaghan who said his administration was not against criticism promised to welcome any form of criticism provided such criticisms was constructive.

His words “I welcome criticism at any time. In fact my administration is open and ready to listen to criticism provided such criticism was constructive and aimed at moving the state forward”.

Recall that the Asaba International Airport which commenced commercial flights mid last week have continued to attract an influx of passengers.

Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan was among passengers which arrived on board an OVERLAND Airlines flight from Abuja.

“An elated governor Uduaghan told correspondents that the flight was smooth and pleasant.”

He however appealed to Deltans to shun rumour mongering just as he affirmed he will always welcome constructive criticism.

At the booking counter, intending passengers were seen purchasing tickets for their flights. Thereafter, they are frisked alongside their luggage with metal detectors before taking their seats in the departure hall.

One of the passengers waiting to catch his flight to Lagos, Mr. Nosakhare Edokpayi, described the Asaba Airport as very unique, convenient.

His American based-son, Idahosa Edokpayi said “the airport is world class and comparable to those in Europe and America.”

Niger Delta

Uyo High Court Awards Damages To Masquerade Over Arrest

Published

14 hours 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

14 hours 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

3 days 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.