Niger Delta

Calabar Agog As NAFEST Begins

Published

14 years ago

October 28, 2011

Calabar, the Cross River capital is agog as the National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST) begins.

Our correspondent reports that contingents’ from 35 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are already in the Canaan City for the 25th edition of the festival, which began yesterday and ends on October 28.

A check by our reporter at the Cultural Centre Complex and the U.J .Esuene stadium where the four-day events would take place showed heavy presence of security operatives.

According to the organisers, the theme for this year’s fiesta is: “Nigerian Traditional Music: A Vehicle for Economic Transformation and Unity”.

Events billed for the festival include: Children Essay Writing competition; Food Fair; Drama; Traditional Furnished Apartment; Cultural Market; Excursion to tourists’ sites and Presentation of Awards.

Mr Edem Duke, the Culture and Tourism Minister, said on Monday, at a news conference in Calabar, that the festival earlier scheduled to end on Oct. 30 was scaled down to Oct. 28.

Duke said that the change in date was “to make the event compact for the participants”.

He reiterated the ministry’s readiness to host the fiesta, adding that he had taken time to inspect the stadium for the opening ceremony.

“I can say that the U.J.Esuene Stadium is ready to host the event. The stadium is one of the best in Nigeria, suitable for an event like NAFEST.

“Calabar has a conducive environment to host any cultural event.

“The ministry will remain grateful to the government and people of Cross River for accepting to host the event at a short notice,” the minister said. Meanwhile, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, Mr. Edem Duke has said that the 25th edition of the Nigerian Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST) earlier scheduled to last for five days will now last for three days.

Mr Edem Duke, made the announcement in Calabar while briefing newsmen on preparations for the festival.

He said the festival, which would take place at the U.J.Esuene Stadium, Calabar, would open on October 25 and close on October 28, instead of the earlier date of October 25 to October 30.

Duke added that the change in date was “to make the event compact for the participants”.

He reiterated the ministry’s determination to ensure the success of the festival, saying all the logistics and venue had been well put in place and made ready for the events.

“The stadium is one of the best in Nigeria, suitable for an event like NAFEST. Calabar also provides a conducive environment to host any cultural event.

“The ministry will remain grateful to the government and people of Cross River for accepting to host the event at a short notice.”

The Special Adviser to Gov. Liyel Imoke on Tourism, Mr Gabe Onah, said the state had a tradition with culture and tourism, noting that “hosting NAFEST 2011 is like bringing culture home”.

“Cross River has the best green environment in Nigeria and I am sure that the participants will enjoy the best of tourism while in the state.”

Niger Delta

INC Polls: Ogoriba Pledges To Continuously Stand For N’Delta Rights … Picks Presidential Form

Published

3 days ago

January 19, 2026

The Tide

Human Rights Activist and founding father of the Movement for the Survival of the Ijaw Ethnic Nationality of the Niger Delta (MOSIEND), Elder Timi Kaiser Ogoriba, has said he would continue to advocate for the environmental and human rights of the people of the Niger Delta, especially his Ijaw kinsmen.

Ogoriba who doubles as the current Vice-Chairman of the Bayelsa State founding fathers forum made the pledge at the Ijaw House, headquarters of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), in Yenagoa, capital of the State, while fielding questions from newsmen shortly after picking his interest form for the position of president in the 2026 polls of the national executive council of the body.

The Odi-born activist who described the foremost Pan-Ijaw umbrella parent body as the envy of many sister ethnic groups in the nation, noted that he played pivotal roles in the formative stages of both the INC and its youth body, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC).

He expressed confidence in the activities of the body, saying he would continue to work with all relevant stakeholders to reposition the Pan-Ijaw group for greater achievements when elected as President come February, 2026.

“I’m still ready to go to trenches because of Ijaw nation. For those who knew me before now, you’ll recall that I have gone to trenches several times because of my love for the Ijaw people.

“Today as an ethnic group, we’re the envy of every other tribe. And that’s because we’ve all it takes for others to envy us. Today the INC has become the pride of everyone, including many who don’t know how we started it. And I’m not detered by the propaganda against my candidacy. I’m determined to win and continue my service to the Ijaw nation.

“I was part of the struggle in 1991 when the INC was formed in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. I’ve all it takes to lead the INC as President. But the INC under my leadership will not be a ‘T. K. Ogoriba thing alone’. I’ll need all of you and every Son and daughter of Ijaw nation to lead us well when elected”, he said.

The Presidential hopeful, who also bared his mind on issues of Resource control and true-federalism, restated his commitment towards ensuring that the Niger Delta region was given fair treatment by Government.

He stressed the need for the INC to synergize with other ethnic nationalities of the Niger Delta region for positive results, saying he would also ensure that there is mutual respect and understanding amongst and between stakeholders of the Ijaw nation and other sister ethnic groups to fast track the processes of growth and development of the region.

By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa

Niger Delta

Edo Partners Stakeholders For Better Land, Housing Services

Published

3 days ago

January 19, 2026

The Tide

The Edo State government has reaffirmed its commitment to strategic partnerships with key stakeholders to enhance effective service delivery in the lands and housing sector across the state.

Commissioner for Ministry of Lands and Housing, Mr. Yakubu Musa, made this known on Thursday, when he met with members of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers in Benin.

Musa emphasised the importance of synergy and collaboration to drive sustainable development in the state.

He said, ‘’The ministry is taking steps to sanitise and regulate the real estate industry to make sure Edo citizens get maximum satisfaction from the lands and housing sector.’’

Earlier, the Chairman of the Association, Mr. Roger Isiokhere, said the visit was to formally acquaint the commissioner with the institution’s activities.

Isiokhere expressed the institution’s readiness to work closely with the ministry in achieving its mandate, offering professional advisory services and other forms of support.

The Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Joy Akhigbe, also stressed the importance of collaboration.

In attendance at the meeting were the Surveyor-General of the State, Directors, and other management staff of the Ministry of Lands and Housing.

Niger Delta

Otu Reiterates Commitment To Support Military Veterans, Families

Published

3 days ago

January 19, 2026

The Tide

Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to the welfare of military veterans and their families.

Otu, who spoke at the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration in Calabar on Thursday, said his administration would not forget the contributions of fallen heroes.

Represented by his Deputy, Dr. Peter Odey, the Governor described the armed forces remembrance day as a reminder of the sacrifices made by military veterans to keep Nigeria united and peaceful.

“The lesson is to remember our fallen heroes, people who sacrificed for the country, many of them paid with their lives to protect this nation”, he said.

Otu further said widows of late military officers would continue to be part of his government’s programmes and interventions.

“All widows are being carried along, the Commissioner for Social Welfare ensures their inclusion in every programme”, he said.

Earlier, the Cross River State Chairman, Nigerian Legion, Daniel Ojugbo, said the ceremony was not only an honour for fallen heroes, but a time to reflect on the challenges being faced by military veterans and their families.

Ojugbo said families of fallen military officers faced delayed welfare benefits, limited medical care and unemployment for their widows and other dependants.

He commended Otu for his support, saying that his administration had shown genuine and remarkable concerns for the legion and its members.

Also speaking, the Coordinator, Military Widows in the state, Mrs. Miriam Orok, thanked the Governor for improved treatment and inclusion in welfare interventions.

“We are actually seeing better changes under our Governor. He has been carrying us along, and we are very grateful. We also thank the governor’s wife for her sense of compassion”, she said.

The Tide’s source reports that the event featured prayers, wreath-laying, and tributes to the fallen heroes.