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Niger Delta

NDDC Fast-Tracks Completion Of Headquarters Complex

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The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has set machinery in motion to fast-track the completion of its 13-floor permanent headquarters building at the Eastern By-Pass, Port Harcourt.
The Managing Director of the commission, Mr Nsima Ekere gave impetus to the process, last Wednesday, when he handed over the project to a new contractor at the site of the headquarters complex.
Ekere, who was represented by the NDDC Director of Project Monitoring and Supervision, Engr. Emmanuel Audu-Ohwavborua, charged the new contractor, Messrs Rodnab Construction Limited to ensure that the project was completed in the next 52 weeks.
He recalled that contract for the main building was awarded in 2010 to Marshland Projects Nigeria Limited, while that of the four-floor ancillary building was awarded in 2014 in four lots.
The NDDC chief executive officer said that when the current board of the commission took over in November 2016, it decided to fast-track the project, adding that the management thought it wise to inject a new lease of life into the project.
According to Ekere, the commission promptly set up a committee headed by the Executive Director, Projects, Engr. Samuel Adjogbe, to work out the modalities for the speedy completion of the project.
He said that the committee amicably disengaged Marshland Projects Limited and other contractors for the other lots in June 2017.
The MD said: “We started a new process of getting the contract re-awarded. That took us to the Bureau of Public Procurement for a no-objection certificate. After that, the process went to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in December 2017. The FEC approved the re-award of the project and this paved way for NDDC to engage Rodnab after a bidding process. The company fulfilled all the requirements before a letter of re-award was issued to them.”
Ekere said that the scope of work for the new contract included the completion of the 13-floor main building, the 4-floor ancillary building, as well as the external works.
He assured the company that the NDDC would give it all the support necessary to ensure that the project was completed expeditiously, warning that the commission would not compromise on quality and adherence to the approved designs.
The NDDC boss appealed to the host community to cooperate with the contractor, noting that development was a gradual process.
“If the NDDC headquarters moves to this place, it will open up a lot of business opportunities for the communities around here,” he said.
Ekere also assured the people in the area that they would be engaged in executing the remaining part of the contract.
Speaking at the occasion, the Managing Director of Rodnab Construction Limited, Mr Piero Allfranchino, said that his company would endeavour to complete the project within the specified time.
He pleaded for cooperation from the host community.

 

Susan Serekara-Nwikhana

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Niger Delta

Uyo High Court Awards Damages To Masquerade Over Arrest

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A High Court in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, has awarded damages to a masquerade who was arrested by the State Police Command for allegedly disturbing public peace during traditional worship rites.
The arrest followed an executive order reportedly issued by the State Governor, directing the Commissioner of Police to detain any masquerade seen performing during the Yuletide period.
Acting on this directive, a masquerade, identified as Mr. Effiong, a practitioner of traditional worship, was arrested and subsequently charged to court.
In a landmark ruling, the court sided with Mr. Effiong and his custodian, affirming that Ekpo, a recognised traditional religious practice in Akwa Ibom State, is protected under the law, and that its adherents are entitled to the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution.
The judge held that Mr. Effiong’s arrest and detention violated his rights to personal liberty and freedom of religion.
The court ordered his immediate and unconditional release and directed the Akwa Ibom State Government to pay damages for the infringement of his fundamental human rights and freedom of worship.
Human rights experts have hailed the judgment as a significant affirmation of Nigeria’s constitutional protection of traditional religious practices, emphasising the importance of respecting the country’s cultural and religious diversity.
By: Enoch Epelle
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Niger Delta

MOSIEND Seeks Water Projects In Buguma From NDDC … Urges RSG To Revamp Fish Farm

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The Movement for the Survival of the Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND) has called on the Management  of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to embark on water projects in Buguma city in Asari Toru Local Government Area (ASALGA), Rivers State
The Group also called on the Rivers State government to revamp the Buguma fish farm to create employment for the teeming youths.
On the water project in Buguma, MOSIEND said the population of Buguma has increased tremendously and that the residents need more water projects to enhance the daily livelihood of the people.
The Group also appealed to the Chairman of the LGA to assist in making the project a reality and also attract more developmental projects to the LGA.
MOSIEND’s Eastern Zonal Coordinator,  Half Hour, Comrade Tammy Bruce Longjohn, made the call on a radio programme in Rhythm 93.7fm, “Talk of the Town”.
LongJohn, who made the call alongside the Chairman of MOSIEND in Buguma, Mark Ojuka, and his counterpart in Obuama,  Hon. Sandra Owunari, also called on the Management of Nigeria Liquidifed Natural Gas (NLNG) to embark on a free medical outreach in all Kalabari communities to improve their health status.
He appealed to NLNG to award scholarship to indigens of Kalabari communities in tertiary institutions to better their education, noting that the company is doing same in Bonny, while abandoning Kalabari communities
“We need contracts, free medicals, scholarships and employment, including skill acquisition programmes for our teeming youths in Kalabari extractions”, LongJohn stated.
On Security, Mark Ojuka said security in Buguma is  at zero level with the help of the Amama soldiers, saying “the city is more peaceful and investor-friendly as the youths of the area have cordial relationship with the security agencies in the area.
“Security is very secured in Buguma clan”
On revamping the Buguma fish farm, he said, “The youths are asking for human capacity building in the area to reduce unemployment.
“The revamping of the Buguma fish farm will also reduce youth violence.”
By: Chinedu Wosu
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Make God Your Anchor To Fulfill Destiny, Cleric Charges Christians … As Jaja Marks 70th Birthday

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The Lead Pastor at Jesus Appointed People’s Bible Church, Ozogbe, Ikwerrengwo-Etche, in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State, Pastor Promise Nwaelele, has urged Christians  to make God the anchor of their lives in whatever position they find themselves, in order to attain the destinies set for them by God.

Pastor Nwaelele, who gave the charge recently in a sermon he preached at the 70th birthday anniversary thanksgiving service of Sir Donald Michael Jaja, a veteran journalist in Rivers State, said this is because any genuine child of God is a permanent target for destabilization and destruction by the devil.

Taking his text from the Bible book of Mark 4:16-17, the preacher stated that fulfilment in life for a child of God required faith, obedience to God’s word, humility and grace to withstand trials and temptations.

According to him, temptations and afflictions are bound to happen in the lives of those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

“No wonder the Bible said that those that endure till the end shall be saved”, he said.

The Clergyman said God prospers believers who are humble, not proud and conceited, and leads them to destiny fulfilment.

“David said in Psalm 51:17, that the sacrifices acceptable to God are a broken spirit, not an impatient or proud spirit”, the preacher said.

He called on Christians not to allow persecutions and afflictions to sway them from the love and blessings of Jesus Christ.

On his part, Jaja, a seasoned Journalist who retired as an Acting Editor of the Rivers State Government-owned The Tide Newspaper, gave thanks to God for honouring him by giving him the grace of attaining 70 years.

“I cannot capture what the good Lord has done for me in my entire life in this fleeting moment of thanksgiving. But, I know that without Him, I wouldn’t have been who I am today, in all spheres. Therefore, my joy knows no bounds as I give thanks to my creator today, alongside my family. Praise be His holy name”, Jaja said.

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