Niger Delta

Firm Offers Free Cataract Surgeries To 229 People

Published

9 years ago

September 26, 2016

No fewer than 229
people in Cross River State have from January 2016 till date, benefitted from the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) of Lafarge Africa Plc.
Our correspondent reports that Lafarge Afica Plc is a cement manufacturing company located in Mfamosing, Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River.
The Manager of the company’s plant in Mfamosing, Mr Thierry Tierrere, made the disclosure during a media tour of facilities at `Line 2′ production plant.
He said that the beneficiaries were drawn from 10 communities in three local government areas of Akamkpa, Akpabuyo and Calabar Municipality which host the cement company.
He said that the company screened 1,765 persons with eye problems, out of which 728 were given eye glasses, 808 were given medication, while 229 underwent cataract surgeries.
“Between January 2016 and now, Lafarge Africa has rendered free medical care to no fewer than 1,765 people in our host communities.
“Seven hundred and twenty eight (728) were given eye glasses to correct their sights, 808 were given medication, while 229 underwent cataract surgeries in our facility in Calabar.
“Aside from healthcare, we have launched one project or the other in all the communities surrounding us.
“We also have 3,000 direct staff in our employ,” Tierrere said, adding that the CSR was ongoing.
He promised that the company would continue to identify with its host communities in the area of healthcare, education, provision of drinking water, building of modern markets among others.
Explaining the economic value of line 2 plant, the Manager said that when completed, it would boost production of cement and improve the revenue profile of the company.
Also speaking, Mr Eden Wagne, site manager of line 2, said that on completion the line would produce 2.5 million metric tons of cement annually.
He said that if the 2.5 million metric tons were added to the 2.5 million metric tons currently being produced by line 1 plant, the company would increase cement production to 5 million metric tons annually.
“When line 2 is completed, Lafarge Africa will be producing 5 million metric tons of cement yearly from the two lines.
“This will improve the revenue profile of the company and it will also be beneficial to the state.
“We are estimating October 1 as the day we would produced the first cement from the line 2 plant,” he said.

Niger Delta

Edo Partners Stakeholders For Better Land, Housing Services

Published

27 minutes ago

January 19, 2026

The Tide

The Edo State government has reaffirmed its commitment to strategic partnerships with key stakeholders to enhance effective service delivery in the lands and housing sector across the state.

Commissioner for Ministry of Lands and Housing, Mr. Yakubu Musa, made this known on Thursday, when he met with members of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers in Benin.

Musa emphasised the importance of synergy and collaboration to drive sustainable development in the state.

He said, ‘’The ministry is taking steps to sanitise and regulate the real estate industry to make sure Edo citizens get maximum satisfaction from the lands and housing sector.’’

Earlier, the Chairman of the Association, Mr. Roger Isiokhere, said the visit was to formally acquaint the commissioner with the institution’s activities.

Isiokhere expressed the institution’s readiness to work closely with the ministry in achieving its mandate, offering professional advisory services and other forms of support.

The Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Joy Akhigbe, also stressed the importance of collaboration.

In attendance at the meeting were the Surveyor-General of the State, Directors, and other management staff of the Ministry of Lands and Housing.

Niger Delta

Otu Reiterates Commitment To Support Military Veterans, Families

Published

27 minutes ago

January 19, 2026

The Tide

Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to the welfare of military veterans and their families.

Otu, who spoke at the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration in Calabar on Thursday, said his administration would not forget the contributions of fallen heroes.

Represented by his Deputy, Dr. Peter Odey, the Governor described the armed forces remembrance day as a reminder of the sacrifices made by military veterans to keep Nigeria united and peaceful.

“The lesson is to remember our fallen heroes, people who sacrificed for the country, many of them paid with their lives to protect this nation”, he said.

Otu further said widows of late military officers would continue to be part of his government’s programmes and interventions.

“All widows are being carried along, the Commissioner for Social Welfare ensures their inclusion in every programme”, he said.

Earlier, the Cross River State Chairman, Nigerian Legion, Daniel Ojugbo, said the ceremony was not only an honour for fallen heroes, but a time to reflect on the challenges being faced by military veterans and their families.

Ojugbo said families of fallen military officers faced delayed welfare benefits, limited medical care and unemployment for their widows and other dependants.

He commended Otu for his support, saying that his administration had shown genuine and remarkable concerns for the legion and its members.

Also speaking, the Coordinator, Military Widows in the state, Mrs. Miriam Orok, thanked the Governor for improved treatment and inclusion in welfare interventions.

“We are actually seeing better changes under our Governor. He has been carrying us along, and we are very grateful. We also thank the governor’s wife for her sense of compassion”, she said.

The Tide’s source reports that the event featured prayers, wreath-laying, and tributes to the fallen heroes.

Niger Delta

Delta Legislative Assembly Impeaches Leader Over Gross misconduct

Published

27 minutes ago

January 19, 2026

The Tide

Leader of Ughelli North Local Government Legislative Arm, Rt. Hon. Ajero Prosper Okeoghene, has been impeached over alleged gross misconduct and abuse of office.

The impeachment of the ousted leader was signed by 12 out of the 18 councillors that attended the plenary at the legislative chamber of Ughelli North on Wednesday.

The Councillors alleged that the former House leader breached the constitutional requirement to lead the 8th Assembly.

According to the statement, “We the undersigned Councillors of Ughelli North Local Government Legislative House of the 8th Assembly have watched with keen interest the activities of the present Leader of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ajero Okeoghene Prosper, and having thoroughly gone through it, we decided to as a matter of urgency, resolved to impeach him in line with the relevant Delta Local Government Law 2013, as Amended, and other Legislative practices/convention.

“Furthermore, to the above therefore, we are constrained to state unequivocally that Hon. Ajero Okeoghene Prosper lacks the ability to move this Eighth (8th) Assembly to the next level and as such should step outside for another to reinvigorate this present Assembly.

“Having satisfied the constitutional requirement of 2/3 majority, motion for his impeachment and removal as leader of the Ughelli North Legislative Arm was moved.

“His impeachment was as a result of Misappropriation of funds, inability to pilot the affairs of the house, high-handedness, gross misconduct and refusal to call plenary as at when due and his excessive drunkenness.

“The motion for his impeachment was moved by Hon. Onome Isherhe, Councillor representing Ughelli Ward 12, and seconded by Hon. Clever Erhuvwu Ofariko, representing Orogun Ward 3, respectively.

“The motion for a new Leader of the Ughelli North Legislative Arm was moved by Hon. Collins Oghenebrorhie Arhiakpore, the Councillor representing Agbarha Ward 2 and seconded by Hon Felicia Diedjomaho, the Councillor representing Agbarho Ward 1″, it stated.

Amongst the Councillors that signed the impeachment are Hon. Orido December, Hon. Victor, Hon. Igogono Goddey, and Hon. Felicia Diedjomaho.

Others are Hon. Inana Oke Festus, Hon. Clever Erhuvwu Ofariko, Hon. Collins Arhiakpore, Hon. Joseph Friday Obara, Hon. Onome Isherhe, and Hon. Palmer Israel.

The new Leader of the Ughelli North Local Government Legislative Arm is Rt. Hon. Solomon Oghenero Agbini, the Councillor representing Ogor Ward 1.

All efforts to contact the impeached leader, Okeoghene, were not successful as calls to his line were not answered or returned as of the time of this report.