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Bayelsa Faults World Bank 2010 Report

Published

12 years ago

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Director-General, Bayelsa
State Investment Promotion Agency (BIPA), Ms Freda Murray-Bruce, says the state’s investment climate has improved since the 2010 World Bank Report.
The report had rated the state as the most difficult place to start investment in the country.
The World Bank report based its assessment on “the inefficient and undue delay in registration of company and employees with relevant authorities as well as clouded tax regime”.
Reacting to the report, the director-general said in Yenagoa on Tuesday that the report did not reflect the current state following the establishment of BIPA over one year ago.
Murray-Bruce said that the current administration in Bayelsa State had since repositioned the state and made it investor-friendly adding that this had resulted in influx of foreign and local investors.
She said, “We may have no problem with this assessment.
“But can categorically say without any fear of contradiction that the 2010 report is an old report and is not a factual and accurate reflection of the exact situation of things in Bayelsa State of 2013.
“Since 2010, and especially since February 2012, a lot of institutional changes for the better have occurred in the business climate in Bayelsa State. This present state of affairs is as a result of proactive measures and business friendly policies of the Hon. Seriake Dickson administration in the state. Conscious of the need to develop the real sector of the economy and provide investment haven in Bayelsa State, Gov. Seriake Dickson, on assumption of office, established the Bayelsa State Investment Promotion Agency,” she added.
She said that this had created a clearing house and one-stop shop for investors.
Murray-Bruce listed the investor-friendly policies to include collaboration with several Federal Government agencies, including Customs, Immigration, Corporate Affairs Commission and Federal Inland Revenue Service.
According to her, the agency has streamlined business documentation and start up processes for investors and is showcasing the investment potential of the state on its website.
She said that staff of BIPA had been trained to offer professional assistance to investors before, during and post investment stages.
rently existing in the state and not “the stale 2010 report of .the World Bank.

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Niger Delta

Oborevwori Launches Medical Outreach For Children With Special Needs

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6 days ago

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February 16, 2026

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The Wife of Delta State Governor, Mrs. Tobore Oborevwori, has launched a free medical outreach for children with special needs in Delta South.
The event, which attracted scores of caregivers, medical professionals, and government functionaries, took place at Dom Domingos College, Warri.
It was organised by the governor’s wife’s pet project, “You Matter Charity Foundation”, in partnership with the State Ministry of Health.
In a speech at the event, Oborevwori said the initiative sought to promote public awareness about autism and other notable infants’ developmental conditions.
She said the programme also aimed ”to eliminate stigma and encourage inclusion of persons living with disabilities.”
According to her, the outreach is structured to cover the state’s three senatorial districts.
She noted that the programme took place earlier in Ughelli, Delta Central, where beneficiaries received medications and assistive devices, including educational materials to support learning among children with special needs.
Oborevwori, who thanked residents and local government chairmen in Delta South for their cooperation, also commended the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, and medical teams for their dedication to the success of the programme.
She admonished parents and caregivers to continue to show patience, compassion, and understanding towards children with special needs.
The Tide’s source reports that health workers from the ministry and Primary Healthcare Development Agency participated in the programme.
In her remark, the Director-General of the foundation, Mrs. Lawrentta Ogbedo, said the outreach would reduce financial pressure on families that have children with special needs.
She underscored the importance of early diagnosis and consistent medical attention for such children.
The Chairman of Warri South LGA, Mr. Isaac Agbateyiniro, thanked the governor’s wife for the initiative, and described her kind intervention as ”timely and beneficial to struggling families”.
Also, the Chairman, Post Primary Education Board, Mr. Samuel Mariere, applauded the foundation’s effort in extending support to children with special needs in society.
Mariere said the programme had provided hope and practical support to many households.
The source reports that the event featured free medical consultations and treatment for children.
Also, health experts delivered talks on autism awareness, care strategies, and social acceptance.
Participants were also enlightened on the legal protections against discrimination for persons with disabilities.
Other highlights included the distribution of wheelchairs, medications, and assistive materials, among other items, to the beneficiaries.
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Niger Delta

UniCal Commits To Nursing Education Dev In C’River 

Published

6 days ago

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February 16, 2026

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The Vice Chancellor, University of Calabar (UniCal), Prof. Offiong  Offiong,  has reiterated the institution’s commitment towards supporting the growth of nursing education in the state.
Offiong, who made the statement recently in Calabar when members of the Basic Nursing and Midwifery Sciences Certificate Affiliation Committee visited him in his office, said as a federal university located in Cross River State, the institution would remain committed to the development of the state and the wellbeing of its residents.
The Vice Chancellor said UniCal would strategically collaborate with the state government to ensure improved healthcare education, professional training and standards.
“I commend the state government for expanding nursing institutions, this development has stimulated youth interest in health-related careers.
“We shall revisit the affiliation process to ensure compliance with national and international academic standards,” he said.
Offiong continued that curriculum review, adequate academic staffing and strict quality assurance measures would be given priority attention in the process.
He urged the state government to provide logistics support to students undertaking clinical postings in health facilities.
Leader of the delegation, Dr. Henry Ayuk, congratulated Offiong on his appointment as the Vice Chancellor of the university.
Ayuk, who’s also the Commissioner for Health in the State, commended the university for its contributions to the growth of the health sector.
He said the Bassey Otu-led government was committed to deepening collaboration with the university in order to strengthen nursing education and healthcare delivery.
The team leader expressed optimism that the partnership would boost professional training, institutional development and healthcare outcomes in the state.
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Niger Delta

Agency Demolishes Illegal Roadside Structures In Delta N8 by … Clears Street Traders

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6 days ago

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February 16, 2026

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The Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency has commenced the removal of illegal roadside structures and street traders across Asaba.
The enforcement drive targeted areas where traders and makeshift stalls have taken over roads, walkways and drainage channels.
Speaking during the exercise, the Director-General of the agency, Mr. Patrick Ukah, said the action was necessary due to the growing safety concerns caused by unchecked roadside trading.
Ukah said the action formed part of a broader urban renewal programme aimed at improving sanitation, reducing traffic congestion and enhancing road safety.
He noted that the activities had disrupted traffic flow and exposed motorists and pedestrians to avoidable dangers.
According to him, the agency’s action is not directed at individuals but aimed at restoring order and enforcing existing regulations.
Ukah warned that the agency would not tolerate activities that deface the capital or threaten public safety.
He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to maintaining a clean, safe and orderly capital, saying a well-managed Asaba remains vital to the image of the state and its development.
Urging affected traders to relocate to approved government markets across the city, Ukah said the operation would continue and might be extended to other locations if violations persist.
Major locations affected include Akpu Junction, Marble Hill Junction, and the Arcade near Ogbeogonogo Market.
The Tide’s source reports that in addition to dismantling illegal structures, the agency intensified sanitation efforts along major roads.
Special attention was given to the Mammy Market and Traffic Light axis of Asaba to sustain cleanliness.
The agency’s Head of Environment, Mr. Isaac Nwosu, said the teams would ensure compliance and prevent a return of illegal roadside activities.
Nwosu called on residents and traders to support the agency by adhering to environmental regulations.
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