Niger Delta

UNDF Spends N75m On N’Delta Dev

Published

9 years ago

August 9, 2017

The United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDF) is currently spending N75.6 million on ensuring sustainable citizen participation in the development of the Niger Delta region.
The Chief Executive Officer of Afrihealth Optonet, UNDF’s implementing partner in the region, Dr.Uzodinma Adirieje, disclosed this to newsmen in Calabar last Sunday.
He said that Afrihealth Optonet, which specialises in citizen advocacy, was mandated to sensitise communities in the Niger Delta on the need for their participation in developmental activities in their areas.
”The project is being implemented in 81 local government areas in the nine states of the region comprising Abia, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Imo, Rivers, Bayelsa, Edo, Delta and Ondo.
”The project is being implemented in 81 local government areas in the region translating into nine council areas in a state.
”We train 22 duty bearers in each state and they move into the selected wards and communities in the local government areas to implement the project,” he said.
Adirieje said further that the programme essentially involved sensitising and mobilising the people for action through town-hall meetings and interaction with stakeholders.
”The programme is designed to make the people take hold of the development of their communities. This will equally give them a sense of belonging.
”They will then take proper care of such facilities and ensure their sustenance so that the facilities will serve them better and longer,” he said.
The chief executive expressed concern over the state of some infrastructure in some communities in the region due to lack of care.
He said Afrihealth Optonet was also involved in need assessment for the communities in order to avoid citing of projects that were not needed.
”When you go to some communities you see up to six boreholes but none is functioning; yet government goes back to the same communities to construct more boreholes.
”This does not make sense because it is obvious that the people might need other projects which could serve them better.
”So we want the people to identify their needs and prioritise them and we then inform government and the developing partners.
”This is to ensure that when such projects are sited the people will make full use of them.” he said.
Adirieje said that the project would last till 2018, adding that it could be extended if the first stage was well implemented.

Niger Delta

Otu Recommits To Support For Navy

Published

3 days 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

3 days 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

3 days 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.