Niger Delta

Uduaghan Tasks DESOPADEC On Development

Published

15 years ago

September 2, 2011

Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has appealed to the newly sworn-in Delta State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (DESOPADEC) members to involve host communities in their activities to enable peace and development to prevail in the State.

Dr. Uduaghan who made the appeal during the swearing in-ceremony of DESOP- ADEC and ‘ House of Assembly Service Commission members in Asaba, explained that for peace to reign they should apply the bottom-up approach in running the affairs of their respective commissions.

“I appeal to you to involve the host communities in your activities. Use the bottom-up approach, the communities should determine the projects they want in their area. With this, peace will reign and development enhanced.”

Obviously disturbed by series of complaints, the governor reminded the board members that ‘they were selected to serve the people (Deltans) and not to serve themselves and their families.

He directed the commission to scrutinise all issues relating to debt owed contractors as soon as they settle down, and appealed to host communities protesting to be patient with the commission as their grievances would be addressed saying “protest is a double edge sword which if not well handled can damage so many things.”

He commended the former Chairman of DESOP ADEC, Chief Wellington Okirika for his immense contribution in re-structuring the commission despite the initial challenges saying “DESOP ADEC has come to stay despite its challenges. I am sure this new team of tested and experienced men and women will make an impact.”

Speaking further, the Governor observed that an enormous responsibility has been placed on the shoulders of the members but was confident that they would be able to deliver so as to move the State forward.

“I know that the new chairman of the commission would have studied the trend in DESOPADEC since he has been on the commission for sometime and know what to do.”

The Governor also charged the newly sworn-in House of Assembly Service Commission members to know that they are the life-wire of the House of Assembly as such it was their responsibility to deal with the issue of staff and other matters pertaining to the House.

He assured Deltans expecting appointments to be patient and work with those already appointed n order to move Delta State forward. “Appointment is continuous; those that are appointed should be ready to work with those not yet appointed for the state to move forward.”

Responding on behalf of his colleagues, the Chairman of DESOPADEC Mr. Oritsua Kpogho expressed their gratitude to the Governor for finding them worthy to serve Deltans and promised that the commissions would key into the 3 point agenda of the Governor to move the State forward.

He appealed to host communities to co-operate and show some understanding with the commission stressing that they are ready to involve them (host communities) in the affairs of the commission. We need the co-operation and understanding of host communities and promise to involve you in our affairs in order to serve you better.”

Board members of DESOPADEC are Mr. Oritsua Kpogho-Chairman, Hon. Henry Offa, Arch. Joseph Ogeh, Mr. Michael Diden and Evang. Johnson Dafelite Boro as members.

Niger Delta

Stakeholders In Delta Seek Stronger GBV Action, Women’s Leadership

Published

20 hours ago

March 2, 2026

The Tide

Stakeholders in Delta State convened in Asaba for a leadership workshop organised by Otdel Health Heritage and Environmental Initiative (OHHEI), focusing on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and women’s participation in decision-making processes.

OHHEI Project Director, Mr. Peter Olayinka, represented by a consultant, Juliet Obiajulu, urged participants to contribute meaningfully toward advancing women’s leadership and combating GBV across communities in the state.

He said the workshop aimed to strengthen participants’ capacity to influence policies, challenge harmful cultural norms, and reinforce initiatives designed to prevent and respond to GBV.

Olayinka said women often faced bias even when they occupied leadership positions, and stressed that gender diversity improved the quality of decision-making and promoted innovation and accountability in governance structures.

Speaking, the Chairperson of the Association Against Child Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, Mr Eris Jewo-Ibi, identified cultural norms, domestic responsibilities, political resistance, and grassroots barriers as constraints to women’s participation.

Delta State GBV Desk Officer, Mrs. Rosemary Okpuno, emphasised that effective decision-making required women’s perspectives, adding that inclusion remained critical to addressing persistent gender-based challenges.

Voke Angbagh of the Delta State Ministry of Justice outlined penalties for rape and called for the establishment of special courts to handle sexual offences cases.

Angbagh said frequent adjournments delayed justice for survivors, stressing that dedicated sexual offences courts would ensure timely trials and stronger protection for victims in Delta State.

The Tide’s source reports that facilitators identified cultural acceptance of violence, unequal power relations, discrimination, poverty, limited education, and low self-esteem as major drivers of GBV.

They emphasised that violence and exclusion resulted in social, physical and emotional harm, imposed economic costs, reinforced harmful stereotypes, and widened existing gender inequalities.

The source also reports that OHHEI, a local non-profit organisation, focuses on education, health, environment, and social justice, promoting sustainable development initiatives with gender equality at the centre of its interventions.

Niger Delta

C’River Suspends Taskforce Activities Over Drivers’ Protest

Published

20 hours ago

March 2, 2026

The Tide

The Cross River State Government has suspended all taskforce activities connected to commercial transportation and ticketing across the state.

The State Governor, Bassey Otu, announced the suspension at an emergency stakeholders meeting on Friday in Calabar.

It would be recalled that commercial drivers in Calabar metropolis took to streets on Thursday to protest alleged multiple taxation and extortion by government agencies.

During the protest, the drivers alleged that taskforce groups claiming to represent the state government openly harassed and extorted them.

Represented at the meeting by Ekpenyong Akiba, his Special Adviser on General Duties, Otu said the suspension would subsist pending further review of the situation.

The Governor stated that the state government did not commission anyone to extort drivers in the name of task force.

He urged commercial drivers and other road users to remain law-abiding while government worked out a lasting solution.

On his part, the Chairman, Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria, Calabar Metropolis, Mr. Sunday Dennis, expressed optimism that the dialogue would yield positive results.

He said the meeting had provided an opportunity for the aggrieved commercial drivers to present their concerns directly to the state government.

Also speaking, the Chairman, Unified Drivers Association, Mr. Nta Henshaw, described the harassment on drivers as worrisome, and urged the state government to be decisive in resolving the matter.

Niger Delta

A’Ibom Assembly Urges More Private Investments In Agriculture

Published

20 hours ago

March 2, 2026

The Tide

The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly Committee on Nutrition and Food Security has called for more private sector investments in agriculture.

The Chairman of the Committee, Mr. Moses Essien, made the call when the committee visited Aviclaire Farms, a private establishment in Usung Idem, Uruk Usoh in Abak Local Government Area.

Essien, who represents Ibiono Ibom in the Assembly, commended the Management of the farm for partnering an NGO, ECEWS, to promote private investment in agriculture.

He commended the partners for adopting climate-smart agriculture initiatives in their operations, adding that such move would promote food security.

“Your interest in using transformative intervention to promote food security is a veritable way of complementing the efforts of the state government,” he said.

The lawmaker continued that adopting practical climate-smart agriculture model would help to generate employment, improve nutrition outcomes, and strengthen food sufficiency.

He further said he was impressed with the strides recorded by the partners, saying, “your investment has created jobs for no fewer than 2,000 youths.

”You are an example of an environment-friendly investor. I urge Akwa Ibom residents to embrace environment-friendly and technology-driven agriculture models,” he said.

Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer, ECEWS, Dr. Andy Eyo, who conducted the committee round the farm, said the collaboration was conceived to demonstrate the viability of climate-smart farming in ensuring food sufficiency.

Eyo said the farm, which commenced operations with four greenhouses, had expanded to 14 within two years, and currently supplying high-quality produce to major markets in Uyo and neighbouring communities.

He said ECEWS was exploring cooperative frameworks to enable rural farmers and women’s groups to adopt greenhouse technology for sustainable livelihoods.

In her remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of Aviclaire Farms, Mrs. Victoria Eyo, said the controlled-environment ensured precision cultivation and consistent yields.

She further said the farm served as a capacity-building centre for students, interns, and agri-business trainees.