Niger Delta

Displaced Herdsmen In C’River Get Succour

Published

14 years ago

April 16, 2012

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has donated relief materials worth millions of naira to the Internally-Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Obanliku Local Government Area of Cross River.

The gesture came after appeals by Gov. Liyel Imoke of Cross River for assistance, as care for the displaced persons was eating deep into the economy of the state.

The relief materials distributed by NEMA included mattresses, bags of rice and beans, oil, toiletries, blankets, buckets and other sundry items.

Presenting the materials at the Utanga’s Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps in Obanliku, the Director-General of NEMA, Alhaji Muhammed Sami Sidi, described the scenario as pathetic, requiring urgent humanitarian intervention.

Sidi, who was represented by the Deputy Director (Relief), Mr Michael Adeyanju, said that it was worrisome to have such a massive movement of Nigerians under an unpalatable condition.

The director-general said that the displacement was caused by man-made frictions following communal clashes between two Nigerian communities.

He also observed that the upkeep of the displaced persons had negatively positioned both the state and the host communities in an unbearable economic frustration resulting in the intervention.

Sidi said that it was a matter of regret that such unhealthy development could not be nipped in the bud before its escalation to the present level.

He appealed to all agencies involved in crisis management to re-assess their performance so as to be able to guarantee peace and harmony in the country.

He said that it was his hope that the prompt humanitarian gesture of the state government, which had reduced tension would be sustained.

Sidi said that efforts were being made to urgently resolve the crisis and return the IDPs back to their home in Katsina-Ala in Benue.

He also lauded Imoke for his dexterity in crisis management and applauded the host community for their receptive and hospitable disposition.

He appealed to the host community not to be tired of displaying their humanitarian spirit as the Federal Government appreciated their efforts.

In his reaction, Mr Vincent Aquah, the Zonal Coordinator, Cross River State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), said that the relief materials would go a long way in cushioning the effect of the mass exodus of herdsmen.

Aquah, who was represented by SEMA’s Disaster Assessor, Miss Peggy Inyang, described the prompt response of NEMA to the plight of the IDPs in the state as apt and commendable.

He restated that the facilities of the host communities had been stressed beyond the coping capacity of the indigenes who are about 90 per cent farmers.

He said that almost all the arable land is being grazed by cattle rearers, who fled to the area, thereby hindering farmers from cultivating their crops.

Aquah said that the farmers, were, under the circumstance displaced, which foretells future starvation and general want as planting of crops this year is heavily hampered.

He, therefore, appealed for an urgent resolution of the crisis in Benue to enable the herdsmen return in harmony and peace.

Aquah also said that Imoke had remained very passionate in handling the exodus of the Fulani herdsmen into the communities without prior notice.

Also speaking, Mr Benjamin Ambe, Chairman, Obanliku Local Government Area, commended the Federal Government for its prompt response to the plight of the people.

Responding on behalf of the IDPs, Alhaji Wahilishi Abdulahi, their spokesman, said their condition was pathetic, and hoped that peace would soon return so that they could go back to Katsina-Ala.

Abdulahi appealed to Nigerians to see their profession as contributory to the economy of the country and called for understanding.

Niger Delta

Make God Your Anchor To Fulfill Destiny, Cleric Charges Christians … As Jaja Marks 70th Birthday

Published

1 day 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.

Niger Delta

Remember Me As Fighter Against Sexual Harassment – UNICAL VC

Published

1 day ago

December 5, 2025

The Tide

The outgoing Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar (UniCal), Prof. Florence Obi, has said she will want to be remembered for fighting sexual harassment and delayed results.

Obi made the remark recently at an event in Calabar, organised by the university to mark the end of her five-year tenure as the 11th substantive Vice Chancellor of the institution.

It would be recalled that Obi, whose tenure expired on November 30, was appointed Vice Chancellor on September 10, 2020, but officially assumed office on December 1, 2020.

She said her commitment to protecting students, especially the female ones, remained one of her greatest achievements as Vice Chancellor.

She said, “I fought against sexual predators and ensured timely release of students’ results to curb frustration within the institution.”

While expressing fulfilment at completing her tenure and thanking God for enabling her finish strong after five years in office, she said she would return to the classroom because teaching remained her passion.

Earlier, she addressed staff and students outside her office during a carnival-like, marching out parade in her honour, thanking them for their support throughout her administration.

She also encouraged them to support her successor to enable him to succeed and take the university to greater heights.

“This institution has recorded significant growth and I am confident that my successor will advance the progress already made”, she said.

The Tide’s source reports that under her leadership, the largest solar power plant in Cross River State was built in UniCal, ensuring stable electricity for the university and its teaching hospital.

Other achievements included upgrading the Faculty of Education to a College, getting Mass Communication accredited and elevated to a Faculty.

Her administration also constructed new hostels, introduced departmental scholarships, built a fire service station, and completed the Law Faculty complex.

Niger Delta

Oborevwori Presents N1.664tn 2026 Appropriations Bill

Published

1 day ago

December 5, 2025

The Tide

Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oboreveori, on Wednesday, presented the 2026 Appropriation Bill of N1.664 trillion to the State House of Assembly.

Presenting the bill during plenary of the Assembly in Asaba, Oborevwori said, “I wish to announce a budget proposal of N1.664 trillion for the services of Delta State Government in 2026.”

He said the amount comprised the sum of N499 billion, representing 30 per cent of total budget for Recurrent Expenditure, and N1.165 trillion representing 70 per cent of total budget for Capital Expenditure.

The Governor added that the 2026 budget size indicated an increase of N685 billion, or 70 per cent over the 2025 Appropriation.

He also said sources of funds for the 2026 budget as proposed would be mainly from statutory allocation, internally generated revenue, mineral derivation, and Value Added, Tax among others.

Giving breakdown of the budget proposal, he said the state was earmarking N450 billion for road projects across the state in the 2026 fiscal year.

He said, ”A well-developed road infrastructure is a catalyst for economic growth.

”It facilitates easy movement of goods and services, reduces transportation costs, attracts investment, and improves access to markets and thereby boosting socio-economic development and generating employment opportunities.

”Agriculture is key to economic diversification and sustainable development.

”We shall continue to devote considerable attention and resources to fast-track developments in the agricultural sector towards enhancing food security in Delta State.

”This will also enable economic diversification, promote self-reliance, and generate employment opportunities.”

The Tide’s source reports that the sum of 10 billion has been earmarked for the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources in the 2026 Budget.

Oborevwori, who is the immediate past Speaker of the Assembly, commended the House for its partnership and urged members to expedite consideration and passage of the budget to sustain ongoing development momentum.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building “a prosperous, secure, and stronger Delta where no one is left behind.”

In his remarks, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Mr. Dennis Guwor, commended Oborevwori’s administration for the steady strides recorded under the “Renewed Hope for MORE Agenda”.

”Over the past year, we have witnessed sustained investments in critical infrastructure, impactful social interventions, prudent fiscal management of resources, and strategic initiatives aimed at promoting peace, security, and economic stability across the State”, he said.

Guwor also commended the Governor for approving the Consolidated Legislative Salary Structure (CONLESS) and initiating the construction of permanent offices for the Assembly Service Commission.

He assured the Governor of the Assembly’s resolve to undertake a thorough and timely review of the appropriation bill, stressing that the Legislature remains committed to people-centered governance, accountability, and equitable development.

“Your Excellency, I want to assure you that the entire Members of this 8th Assembly are united behind your vision for the transformation of the State.

”While our roles in government are distinct and protected by the Constitution, our objectives remain aligned; delivering the greatest good to the greatest number of the people of the state”, he stated.