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Niger Delta

Shell Invests N12bn On Projects In Bayelsa

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Shell Petroleum Devel
opment Company (SPDC) has declared that over N12 billion has been invested on GMoU-related projects in Bayelsa State since 2006.
The General Manager, Sustainable Development and Community Relations of the company, Mr. Nedo Osanyande stated this last Tuesday during the official commissioning of a landing craft project built for Agbidiama community in Bayelsa State, at Kidney Island, Port Harcourt under the GMoU scheme.
Osanyande who said the project was executed by Tarakiri Custer Development Board in partnership with SPDC noted that “the sum of N1.84 billion is being invested by SPDC JV annually to deliver community development projects in the state”.
The Shell boss who restated the strong comment of SPDC to the sustainable development of the Niger Delta region said the company would continue to seek ways to improve its relationship with host communities.
He commended the successes recorded by the Tarakiri Cluster Development Board and further revealed that since inauguration of the board four years ago, the oil giant has spent over N600m under the GMoU agreement.
Stating that the investment would bring more income generating projects and programmes to the community and improve the living standard of the people. Mr. Osanyande remarked that partnership that engage the combined strength of companies, government and civil societies yield better and more sustainable results and advised the people to protect and make the best use of the projects to improve their living conditions.
The Chairman of Tarakiri Cluster Development Board, Dr Jude Ebibokefie disclosed that from inception of the GMoU in Tarakiri Cluster to date, a total number of sixteen projects and programmes were contracted out.
“Five were commissioned in 2011 while four were completed and also commissioned in 2012 while today our star project is being commissioned”, he said , stressing that in addition to these ten completed projects and programmes, six were on-going.
The Trust Chairman explained that various capacity building workshops had also been organised by the mentoring NGO and assured of transparency, accountability, trust and all-inclusiveness in its dealings.
He declared that the landing craft project cost a total of N37,730 only  for economic empowerment.
Speaking to The Tide, a Board member and Chairman of the Peace and Conflict Committee, High Chief Ebiame Ofonibeinghen said the landing craft was a priority project chosen by the community and disclosed that the community also nominated the company that manufactured the landing craft for the job because of its expertise in boat building.
In his vote of thanks, Hon. Fungaowei Emmanuel commended Shell for its implementation of  the GMoU scheme and also lauded the board and the community for taking advantage of the programme to empower the community and improve their well-being.

 

Chris Oluoh

Cross River State Governor, Senator Liyel Imoke (3rd right), conducting the new owner of Tinapa Business and Leisure Limited and Chief Executive of AMCOM, Mr  Mustafa Chike-Obi Mustapha (2nd left), round the facility shortly after a media interaction in Calabar, recently..

Cross River State Governor, Senator Liyel Imoke (3rd right), conducting the new owner of Tinapa Business and Leisure Limited and Chief Executive of AMCOM, Mr Mustafa Chike-Obi Mustapha (2nd left), round the facility shortly after a media interaction in Calabar, recently..

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Niger Delta

Uyo High Court Awards Damages To Masquerade Over Arrest

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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
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Niger Delta

MOSIEND Seeks Water Projects In Buguma From NDDC … Urges RSG To Revamp Fish Farm

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

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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.

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