News
Dakuku Pledges All-Inclusive Govt …Says Ogoni Struggle Moulded His Life
The Governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Dr. Dakuku Adol Peterside has pledged to run an inclusive administration that would include non-indigenes.
Speaking at the inauguration of his campaign committees in Port Harcourt Monday, Dr. Peterside also said that his administration would be anchored on the fear of God.
The APC governorship candidate said that everyone who lives and does business in Rivers State will be made to contribute towards the success of his administration.
He charged the over 15 committees to work hard to carry the message of change to every doorsteps in Rivers State.
Also speaking, the State Chairman of the party Dr. Davies Ikanya Ibiamu urged the committees to ensure people turn out enmass to vote for the party in all the elections.
Ibiamu said that the over one million APC members in Rivers State must be fully mobilized to vote for the party, stressing that it beholves on the committees to take the message of change to every doorstep of Rivers State.
Earlier, the Director-General of Dakuku Campaign Organisation, Chief Victor Tombari Giadom urged the members to make the necessary sacrifices to ensure the victory of the party at all levels in the state.
Meanwhile, Dr. Dakuku Adol Peterside, has said that watching the Ogoni fight for justice, equality and environmental rights while growing up as a lad on the streets of Bori, the Ogoni heartland and political headquarters, helped to mould his life.
While addressing a mammoth crowd of Ogoni natives and guests during the 2015 Ogoni Day celebration organised last Sunday, January 4 at the Birabi Memorial Grammar School open field, Dr. Peterside described his visit as “home coming”.
Peterside grew up in Bori where in the cause of the time, built a bond with the famous Wiwa family of Bane.
Dr. Peterside, who was the representative of Rivers State Governor and Chairman, Nigeria Governors’ Forum, (NGF), at the occasion, praised the Ogonis for remaining resolute in the search or a better and cleaner environment.
He recalled that when debate on the UNEP Report for the clean-up of Ogoni land was on the floor of the Federal House of Representatives, his voice stood in total support of the Ogoni.
“I will remind you that when the issue of the clean-up of Ogoni land came up on the floor of the House of Representatives, I was among the few voices that spoke extensively on what the Nigerian State owes Ogoni people. And I said on that occasion that we would do everything humanly possible to ensure that Ogoni land is cleaned-up, and that if Ogoni land was not cleaned-up, we would not rest”.
The APC flag-bearer, who received record-breaking reception from the crowd, told the people how, with the support of Governor Chibuike Amaechi, he, for the first time, constructed every road in Bori.
“The Ogoni struggle became my life and my life became intertwined with the Ogoni struggle. That was why when I had the opportunity to serve as commissioner for works of Rivers State, I, personally, with the support of the governor, constructed for the first time all roads in Bori. Today, the roads I constructed in Bori are a living testimony of what I will do if given the opportunity to serve as governor”.
Recalling what he was growing up on the streets of Bori, fetching and drinking water from Ogoni rivers and streams; cultivating their farmlands made rich by natural manure, Dr. Peterside said his heart is always broken as any Ogoni to see such once fertile lands and rivers ruined and devastated.
“Mr. President, I have drank from the waters of Kpor. I have participated in farming in the farmlands of Nyortem, of Zaakpon, of Kaani. And so, if they talk about social justice, I understand what it means”, he said.
Dr. Peterside said that peace, justice and progress of Ogoni land were uppermost in his heart and would work, if elected governor of Rivers State next month, to ensure Ogoni’s environment was cleaned-up.
“This place (Ogoniland) gave me the formative days of my life. As a young boy growing up on the streets of Bori, I admired the courage of the Ogoni people, their resilient spirit; their spirit of industry. And I can tell you those rare qualities which I observed while growing up in Ogoniland inspired me to the point where I am today.
“We have come in solidarity with the Ogoni people; in solidarity with Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People.
You will recall my relationship with the late Pa Jim Wiwa of Bane and that I participated in most meetings that led to the birth of the Ogoni Bill of Rights not as an outsider but as a son with rights. So, my brothers and sisters, I have not come for politics but I must say that this is like a home coming for me.
“To you our brothers and sisters, as we mark another Ogoni Day, please know that what is uppermost in our mind is peace, justice and progress of Ogoni land”.
L-R: Speaker of House of Representatives, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal (right) with Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun and Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola, at the APC presidential campaign flag-off held in Port Harcourt, yesterday. Photo: Ibioye Diama
The 2025 annual general meeting (AGM) and conference of the Rivers/Bayelsa states chapter of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has come to a close with a strong call for both states to drive the blue economy.
The communique just issued after the AGM pointed to what it called emerging prospects in fish processing, seaweed cultivation, ship repair, and marine technology.
The communique which also mentioned human capital gaps that must be filled through technical and vocational training that are aligned with modern industrial needs, said the blue economy represents a viable pathway for Nigeria’s industrialisation.
It said MAN and Arican Marine Environment Sustainability Initiative (AFMESI) have the capacity to unlock Nigeria’s blue economy sustainably and inclusively, but said the region required dedicated infrastructure upgrades, including roads, waterways, and power.
The communique was signed by Vincent Okuku (Chairman of Rivers/Bayelsa States Branch); Michael Nosa Agana (Branch Vice Chairman/Chairman AGM planning Committee); and Chibuzor Eze (Executive Secretary, Rivers/Bayelsa States Branch).
The resolutions said the future of the Niger Delta economy lies in diversification rather than dependence on extractive industries. “Technology and innovation, value addition and local processing, strategic infrastructure, and a skilled workforce are essential pillars for the future of manufacturing in the region.
“Governments in the region must intensify support for manufacturing activities. Various forms of collaboration across sectors should be actively encouraged.”
It specifically advised Bayelsa and Rivers States to fully develop and harness the blue economy as strategic gateways for sustainable growth; and called for cross-border partnerships with neighbouring states to enhance trade, security, and environmental management.”
The Rivers/Bayelsa States branch of MAN held its first (41st) AGM outside Port Harcourt for the first time, hosted by Bayelsa State Government at the Chief D.S.P. Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall, with the theme: ‘Trade, Technology, and the Future of Manufacturing in the Niger Delta.’
In his welcome address, the chairman of the branch, Okuku, commended the Bayelsa State Government under the leadership of Gov Douye Diri for its efforts in industrial development, investment promotion, and strong partnership with the private sector.
He also acknowledged the Rivers State Government for its commitment to rehabilitating industrial clusters, improving access roads, and delivering key infrastructure.
He, however, expressed concern over persistent challenges such as high energy costs, unreliable electricity supply, weak transport systems, rising logistics expenses, multiple taxes and levies, inconsistent regulatory frameworks, and pressure from host communities, which continue to hinder manufacturing growth in both states.
The President of MAN, Francis Meshioye, noted that the Niger Delta, with its abundant resources and strategic location, holds vast potential for industrial expansion. He called for policy frameworks that promote local manufacturing, enhance trade, and attract investments to the region.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Minister of the Federal Ministry of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, represented by Wasa Festus, Director of Community Development and Education. Another goodwill message was also presented by the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Trade, Industry and Investment, Ebieri Jones.
In his remarks, Gov Diri praised MAN for its contributions to Nigeria’s manufacturing sector, noting its resilience, innovation, and strategic role in national development. He stated that the conference theme aligns with his administration’s mantra of “Assured Prosperity.”
Gov Diri offered 24-hour service to manufacturers wishing to relocate to the state, and highlighted the State’s ongoing transformation through deliberate investment in infrastructure, security, and human capital aimed at positioning Bayelsa State as a hub for industrial growth, particularly in the blue economy, agriculture, and manufacturing.
He further noted that hosting the 41st AGM fulfilled a long-desired aspiration of the State following the successful 2024 MAN event in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. He officially declared the exhibition open.
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund has alerted the public to a fraudulent message circulating online, claiming that the NELFUND Student Loan Registration Portal is open.
The message directs applicants to a third-party link (http://gvly.xyz/Nelfund-Student-Loan, which NELFUND confirms is unauthorised and fraudulent.
In a post obtained from its X handle, yesterday, NELFUND urged students and the general public not to click on the link or provide any personal information, emphasising that the official loan registration portal is only accessible through the Fund’s verified channels.
The agency reminded applicants to exercise caution online and to report any suspicious links or communications claiming to be from NELFUND.
“Applicants are encouraged to always verify official announcements via NELFUND’s official website and social media channels,” NELFUND said.
This advisory comes as part of NELFUND’s ongoing efforts to safeguard students and ensure the integrity of the student loan application process.
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