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Oil Communities Present Demands To FG

Published

9 years ago

February 15, 2017

Representatives of oil producing communities and Stakeholders in Rivers State have called for equity, fairness and development of their communities by the Federal Government.
The stakeholders made their submissions public during an interactive forum with visiting Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo who was on the last lap of his consultations with representatives and leaders of Niger Delta at Government House, Port Harcourt last Monday.
Representative of Pan- Niger Delta Forum (Pan-DEF), Alabo Tonye Graham Douglas called for a sustainable and comprehensive marshal plan for the region.
Graham-Douglas said time has come for a Special Niger Delta Energy corridor as it would boost industrial relations and drive development, adding, “if peace returns by the time this tenure ends, then, development could go a long way”.
The State Pan-DEF leader further called for the setting up of a Mandate Committee to work out modalities for implementation of a workable strategy to drive development in the region.
In his submissions, representative of the Rivers Elders Council, Onueze Okocha, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) sought for synergy among federal, state and local governments, adding that “the people of Rivers State do not consider that they are at war with the federal government or other states of the federation”.
Okocha decried that in recent times the federal government has acted as if they have problem with the state which has affected the people negatively.
The former President of Nigeria Bar Association argued that the loyalty of the governor, Chief Nyesom Wike is not in doubt, but noted that begging issue of boundary adjustment and ceding of Soku Oil well to neighbouring Bayelsa State have affected the revenue profile of the State.
Against this backdrop, Okocha lamented that the people are not given equal opportunities in the polity, “to compete and determine what will be their collective interest”.
Speaking for Oceania Communities in the Kalabari area of the state, Chief Hope Opusingi submitted that the communities have over 160 oil wells and gas installations.
Opusingi lamented that over 50 years of oil exploration in their fishing communities has affected their livelihood, and destroyed their environment due to pollution.
The Opu Kula traditional ruler explained that the dwindling means of livelihood has compelled youths to engage in vandalization and illegal bunkering “as their physiological needs continue to drive the youths unless a truthful consultation is made”.
He advocated for the siting of federal agencies and assets such as polytechnics, universities to provide opportunities for the people of the area, and pleaded that security agencies operating in their area be compelled to respect traditional institutions and women.
Speaking for the people of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni area, Justice Ben Ogbari said the area produces over 39 per cent of the country’s gas, but observed that despite these huge economic contributions, the people are still beset by environmental degradation and lack of infrastructure.
Ogbari noted that the entire wild life and water have been polluted and called on the federal government to do all in its powers to provide youth employment opportunities and roads to link the area to other parts of the country.
Notable activist and environmental rights advocate, Ann Kio-Briggs who spoke for the Women of Rivers State said they re seeking for equity and justice in the use of resources from their soil.
She denied the devastation of the environment by oil exploring companies which, according to her, has denied women their means of livelihood and sustaining their families.
Ann Kio-Briggs used the forum to call on the Federal |Government to stop withdrawing security details of the governor, saying that, “if the situation persists, we may have no other option but to protect our governor”.
An ex-agitator, Richard Akinaba urged the Federal Government to create skills and other opportunities that will reduce illegal bunkering and pipeline vandalization.
Akinaba is of the view that if illegal refining is legalized and modular refineries set up, it will help check violence and at the same time transform the economy.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the Rivers State Traditional Rulers Council and Amayanabo of Opobo, King Dandison Jaja has joined in calling for a joint Marshal Plan for Niger Delta.
He said, “As traditional rulers, we are worried what will happen in the next 20 years if a plan is not put in place”.
Part of the Marshal Plan, the Opobo monarch recommended should include the Commencement of Nigeria Liquified Natural Gas (NLNG) Train 7 in Bonny and kick off of Brass NLNG project.
The traditional ruler also recommended that the money used in funding subsidy for petroleum products should be channeled to other areas, and called for the stoppage of fuel importation.
Consequently, Governor Wike has called on the Federal government to resuscitate its horibund agencies and assets in the state.
Chief Wike who spoke during the interactive forum with the Acting President said the poor state of federal assets contributes to economic deprivation of the people.
Such assets include the moribund federal Port in Port Harcourt, the airport, Bonny-Bodo Road East West Road, as the advocated for the full implementation of Ogoni Environment Project.

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Tinubu Hails NGX N100trn Milestones, Urges Nigerians To Invest Locally

Published

5 hours ago

January 9, 2026

The Tide

President Bola Tinubu yesterday celebrated the Nigerian Exchange Group’s breakthrough into the N100tn market capitalisation threshold, saying Nigeria has moved from an ignored frontier market to a compelling investment destination.

Tinubu, in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, urged Nigerians to increase their investments in the domestic economy, expressing confidence that 2026 would deliver stronger returns as ongoing reforms take firmer root.

He noted that the NGX closed 2025 with a 51.19 per cent return, outperforming global indices such as the S&P 500 and FTSE 100, as well as several BRICS+ emerging markets, after recording 37.65 per cent in 2024.

“With the Nigerian Exchange crossing the historic N100tn market capitalisation mark, the country is witnessing the birth of a new economic reality and rejuvenation,” Tinubu said.

He attributed the stellar performance to Nigerian companies proving they can deliver strong investment returns across all sectors, from blue-chip industrials localising supply chains to banks demonstrating technological innovation.

The President added, “Year-to-date returns have significantly outpaced the S&P 500, the FTSE 100, and even many of our emerging-market peers in the BRICS+ group. Nigeria is no longer a frontier market to be ignored—it is now a compelling destination where value is being discovered.”

Tinubu disclosed that more indigenous energy firms, technology companies, telecoms operators and infrastructure firms are preparing to list on the exchange, a move he said would deepen market capitalisation and broaden economic participation.

He also cited what he described as a sustained decline in inflation over eight months—from 34.8 per cent in December 2024 to 14.45 per cent in November 2025—projecting that the rate would fall below 10 per cent before the end of 2026.

“Indeed, inflation is likely to fall below 10 per cent before the end of this year, leading to improved living standards and accelerated GDP growth. The year 2026 promises to be an epochal year for delivering prosperity to all Nigerians,” he said.

The President attributed the trend to monetary tightening, elimination of Ways and Means financing, and agricultural investments, which he said helped stabilise the naira and ease post-reform pressures.

Nigeria’s current account surplus reached $16bn in 2024, with the Central Bank projecting $18.81bn in 2026, reflecting a trade pattern shift toward exporting more and importing less locally-producible goods.

Non-oil exports jumped 48 per cent to N9.2tn by the third quarter of 2025, with African exports nearly doubling to N4.9tn. Manufacturing exports grew 67 per cent year-on-year in the second quarter.

Foreign reserves have crossed $45bn and are expected to breach $50 billion in the first quarter, giving the CBN ammunition to maintain currency stability and end the volatility that previously fuelled speculation, according to the President.

Tinubu also highlighted infrastructure expansion in rail networks, arterial roads, port revitalisation, and the Lagos-Calabar and Sokoto-Badagry superhighways, alongside improvements in healthcare facilities that are reducing medical tourism costs, and increased university research grants funded through the Nigeria Education Loan Fund.

“Our medicare facilities are improving, and medical tourism costs are declining. Our students benefit from the Nigeria Education Loan Fund, and universities are receiving increased research grants,” he said.

He described nation-building as a process requiring hard work, sacrifices, and citizen focus, pledging to continue working to build an egalitarian, transparent, and high-growth economy catalysed by historic tax and fiscal reforms that came into full implementation from January 1.

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RSG Kicks Off Armed Forces Remembrance Day ‘Morrow …Restates Commitment Towards Veterans’ Welfare

Published

6 hours ago

January 9, 2026

The Tide

The Rivers State Government has reiterated its commitment towards the welfare of veterans, serving officers and widows of fallen officers in the State.

?The Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Dr. Benibo Anabraba, in a statement by ?Head, Information and Public Relations Unit, SSG’s ?Office, ?Juliana Masi, stated this during the Central Planning meeting of the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day in Port Harcourt, yesterday.

?Anabraba thanked the Committee for their contributions to the success of the Emblem Appeal Fund Ceremony recently held in the State and called on them to double their efforts so that the State can record resounding success in the remaining activities.

?According to him, the remembrance day events will begin with Jumaàt Prayers on Friday, 9th January at the Rivers State Central Mosque, Port Harcourt Township, while a Humanitarian Outreach/Family and Community Day will be hosted on Saturday, 10th January, by the wife of the governor, Lady Valerie Siminalayi Fubara, for widows and veterans.

?”On Sunday, 11th January, an Interdenominational Church Thanksgiving Service will hold at St. Cyprian Anglican Church, Port Harcourt Township while the Grand-finale Wreath- Laying Ceremony will hold on Thursday, 15th January at the Isaac Boro Park Cenotaph, Port Harcourt”, he said.

?The SSG noted that one of the highlights of the events is the laying of wreaths by Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Heads of the Security Agencies.

Featured

Fubara Redeploys Green As Commissioner For Justice

Published

1 week ago

December 30, 2025

The Tide

The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has approved a minor cabinet reshuffle in the State Executive Council.

Under the new disposition, Barrister Christopher Green, who until now served as Commissioner for Sports, has been redeployed to the Ministry of Justice as the Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice.

This is contained in an official statement signed by Dr. Honour Sirawoo, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Communications.

According to the statement, Barrister Green will also continue to coordinate the activities of the Ministry of Sports pending the appointment of a substantive Commissioner to oversee the ministry.

The redeployment, which takes immediate effect, was approved at the last State Executive Council meeting for the year 2025, underscoring the Governor’s commitment to strengthening governance, ensuring continuity in service delivery, and optimising the performance of key ministries within the state.