Niger Delta

C’River, Model For World Bank Projects –Country Director

Published

11 years ago

February 4, 2015

World Bank Country-Di
rector, Marie Francoise Marie-Nelly, has described Cross River State as a model in the implementation of the Bank’s projects and programmes.
Speaking during a courtesy call to Governor Liyel imoke, in Calabar, Marie who was represented by the Team Leader, Nigerian Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP), Mr. Amos Abu maintained that the Bank was delighted to associate with the state because, “It has a very formidable and fit for purpose project management unit that has continued to set the pace for best practices in the implementation of our projects in the country.”
According to her, the N4.2 billion World Bank, Food and Agriculture Organization, Federal Government and Cross River State Government jointly funded NEWMAP which is intended to reduce vulnerability to soil erosion will cover Atakpa, Nyahasang, Edim Otop, Ikot Ekpo, and Ikot Awatim erosion sites in Calabar.
The Country-Director disclosed that the successes recorded in the state was made possible by the enabling environment created by Governor Imoke, saying that, “Cross River State is the best state in the implementation of this project and this would not have been possible but for your visionary leadership and support to the project.”
According to her, “It was actually Cross River State’s effort that triggered the effectiveness of this project in Nigeria and we must commend you Your Excellency for this modest and lofty accomplishment.
“Your Excellency, we are very grateful in that as of today, we have not received any complaint of government interference in any of our projects in the state, we thank you most sincerely because we are confident that this best practice will continue,” she added.
Also speaking, World Bank Senior Watershed Management Specialist, Mr. Grand Mine, said: “I’m seeing very impressive results in the implementation of NEWMAP in this state, stressing that, “the design is very different, we are trying to build on best practices and lessons learnt from our global experiences with this kind of issue.”
“We are also building a strong institution, working with farmers and other stake holders in line with best practice world over and I’m confident that we can demonstrate it and improve way of doing business with this kind of issues that can then be scale up successfully,” Mine said.
Responding, Governor Liyel Imoke pointed out that “The key to the success of any project is usually the people behind the project and the team that is working on the project.

Friday Nwagbara, Calabar

Niger Delta

Otu Recommits To Support For Navy

Published

20 hours ago

March 23, 2026

The Tide

Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has said his administration will continue to collaborate with the navy for effective protection of the waterways.

Otu stated this when the Commandant, Nigeria Navy Ship (NNS) Victory, Commodore Shuaib Ahmed, visited him in Calabar.

The Governor described the visit as critical to consolidating the partnership between Cross River State and the navy.

“Peace and stability remain non-negotiable prerequisites for the progress of the state.

“So, this visit reaffirms our shared resolve to keep the state safe and secured through sustained collaboration,” he said.

Otu stated that security remained the foundation for meaningful development in every society.

“No society prospers in the midst of insecurity. As a state, our development vision depends on peace, order and collective vigilance,” he said.

The Governor commended the Navy for the level of professionalism being exuded by its personnel in the discharge of their duties.

He said the Navy’s efforts had hugely boosted investor confidence and strengthened the state’s economic environment.

The Governor assured the Navy of the state government’s continued support towards enhanced operation.

Earlier, Ahmed explained that the visit followed the military tradition of familiarizing with authorities upon assumption of duties.

He stated that it was crucial to align naval operations with the strategic priorities of the state government.

The naval chief thanked the state government for its support to the force, saying, “your support has helped us immensely in achieving targets”

The Commandant further said there was need to strengthen infrastructure and communication systems in order to address evolving security challenges.

“Operationalising key naval facilities will improve our capacity to tackle maritime crimes.

“The Navy is committed to supporting the state in ensuring the safety and security of the waterways.

“We shall continue to promote peace while enabling the residents to carry out their lawful activities without fear,” he said.

Niger Delta

Community Praises Diri, Ogbuku On Projects Execution … Prioritises Security, Dev

Published

20 hours ago

March 23, 2026

The Tide

The Agbura Community of Yenagoa Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, has again lauded the State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, and the Managing-Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, over infrastructure projects executed in the community.

Speaking with newsmen midweek in Yenagoa, its Chairman, Community Development Committee, Mr. Tribunal Egba, hailed the Governor for the successful completion of the abandoned Oxbow lake-Agbura Road project and others within the Community.

He also eulogized the NDDC MD for the construction of new lodge in the community for serving Corps members as well as plans to execute other projects.

Mr. Egba added that the completion of the Oxbow Lake-Agbura Road has given the community facelift, while also pleading with the government and the interventionist agency to award shore protection contract in the community to save it from the perennial floodings experienced in the fast urbanizing town.

Similarly, the community’s leadership has given assurances that it will continue to give priority to development and security of lives and property.

The CDC helmsman promised to strengthen the existing community vigilante group, while also stressing that the age-long synergy between the community and security agencies would be improved upon to get rid of crime and criminalities in the area.

“As a community, we’re so thankful to Governor Diri for constructing the abandoned Oxbow Lake-Agbura Road project. We’re also glad with the level of infrastructural development ongoing in other parts of the state, courtesy of the Diri-led administration.

“We also like to laud the MD/CEO, NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku for the construction of a befitting Corpers lodge for Corps members serving in this community.

“Our priority as a community now is to protect these infrastructure projects. We’ll continue to work in synergy with all security agencies to make sure there’s peace and development”, the CDC leadership said.

By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa

Niger Delta

Delta Shocked Over Death Of Chief Protocol Officer

Published

20 hours ago

March 23, 2026

The Tide

Delta State Government has expressed deep sadness over the sudden death of Mr. Sunny Kotor, Senior Special Assistant on Protocol to the State Government.

Kotor, a renowned Master of Ceremony at state functions, reportedly slumped and passed away last Friday.

In a statement signed by the Delta State Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, in Warri on Saturday, his passing was described as “a profound loss; not only to his family, but to the Government and people of Delta State who benefited immensely from his professionalism, composure, and unmistakable presence at official engagements.

“He brought dignity, structure, and excellence to every function he handled, leaving behind a standard that will be difficult to forget,” the statement added.

The Commissioner noted that “every passing is indeed a sobering reminder of how fragile and fleeting life can be,” extending heartfelt condolences to Kotor’s family, colleagues, and all who had the privilege of working with him.

The statement prayed that God would grant them the strength to bear the irreparable loss.