Niger Delta
A’Ibom Gets Four Agric Processing Mills, Soon
As part of efforts to consolidate its economic diversification drive, the Akwa Ibom State Government would soon get four agric processing mills, courtesy of its synergy with the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
The agricultural processing mills are expected to be sited in each of the four Federal Constituencies making up Akwa Ibom North-West (Ikot Ekpene) Senatorial District as a pilot scheme.
A press release by NDDC’s Director, Corporate Affairs, Ibitoye Abosede, and made available to The Tide, quoted the Managing Director of the commission, Mr Nsima Ekere, as having disclosed this, last Saturday in Uyo while playing host to Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District Women Forum (IESDWF).
The Tide learnt that of the four, three palm oil processing mills are to be located in Ukanafun/Oruk Anam, Ikot Ekpene/Obot Akara/Essien Udim and Ikono/Ini Federal Constituencies while a garri processing mill is to be sited in Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika Federal Constituency.
Ekere explained that the pilot scheme would be replicated in other parts of the state in due course.
He stressed that the mills would help process agricultural produce harvested from the area to ensure value addition to the products and maximum benefit to farmers in the impacted local government areas.
The NDDC boss further emphasised that the initiative would enhance the state’s drive towards the diversification of its economy with a view to boost revenue generation while assuring food security and sufficiency in the state.
Ekere used the opportunity to call on members of the forum yet to register as voters to take advantage of the Continuous Voter Registration exercise of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), stressing that “in 2019, there will be voting and votes will count”.
He urged the women to continue to support President Muhammadu Buhari, pointing out that the President has shown much love for the people of the Niger Delta as reflected in the number of appointments given to indigenes of the region and the location of key projects, including the coastal rail line from Calabar to Lagos.
Speaking, a prominent politician in the senatorial district, Chief Ini Okori, described the forum as a formidable and politically-faithful group, adding that the women, elders and youth of the senatorial district were determined to vote for the All Progressives’ Congress (APC) in 2019 to continue implementing economic diversification policy to pull Nigeria out of poverty and hunger.
In her speech, the President of the forum, Mrs. Ekaette Ime, lauded Ekere for his contributions to the growth of APC in the state, and assured of the determination of women in the senatorial district to take full advantage of the mills to improve the contributions of the agricultural sector to the growth of the state’s economy.
She, however, called on Ekere to consider the women of the senatorial district in the NDDC empowerment programmes and employment opportunities.
A former President of the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS), Akwa Ibom State, Obonganwan Mmenyene Nkwo, said the women were steadfast in praying for Ekere’s success.
A former state Woman Leader of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), Lady Victoria Mel-Udoh, stated that the forum was embarking on a ward-to-ward drive to strengthen the APC in the senatorial district.
With Ekere to receive the women, who numbered over a hundred, were a former member of the House of Representatives, Barrister Bassey Dan-Abia Jr, a former member of the state House of Assembly, Engr. Akanimo Edet, and President of Progressives’ Women Forum, Obonganwan Dora Ebong.
Susan Serekara-Nwikhana
Niger Delta
SSI Moves To Empower Residents Of N’Delta Communities

A faith-driven, non-profit humanitarian and development organisation based in Port Harcourt, the Solution Social Initiative(SSI) has taken a bold step to help and empower some disadvantaged persons residing in some communities of the Niger Delta region, by holding its first strategic meeting.
The Director of SSI, Prophet Efe Cyril Edah, who highlighted the importance of the organisation while speaking with newsmen in Port Harcourt on Saturday, said he was motivated to establish the body after recognising the fact that several persons were suffering in the Niger Delta and needed help without such help coming forth.
He noted that the organisation was established to reach out to such persons in critical sectors like education, health and youth empowerment.
According to him, the SSI, which is a social impact arm of his church, the Solution Prayer Power Divine Ministry was established to restore hope to the hopeless and neglected people of some communities in the Niger Delta, including widows and orphans.
He said the organisation is targeting Ogoni communities, Eleme and Ahoada in Rivers State; and other communities in Delta, Akwa Ibom and Edo States.
Prophet Edah, the General Overseer of Solution Prayer Power Divine Ministry gave more insight into the activities and goals of SSI in his welcome address during the body’s first strategic meeting in Port Harcourt.
According to him, the meeting marked a significant milestone in the body’s shared journey to bring hope, dignity and practical hope to those who need it most.
As the social impact arm of his church, he said the organisation was birthed from a vision to restore lives, uplift communities, and be a beacon of light to the disadvantaged, especially in the Niger Delta and other underserved regions of Nigeria.
He disclosed that the mission of SSI is rooted in action, by transforming lives in critical sectors of the society, including education, health, youth empowerment, emergency humanitarian relief, and most especially, the empowerment of women.
The SSI Director said, “We are committed to ensuring that women in underserved communities gain access to education, vocational training, entrepreneurial opportunities and the advocacy needed to secure their rights. In doing so,we align ourselves with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs), particularly those that promote gender equality, social inclusion and economic independence.”
He further noted that the first strategic meeting of the organisation was more than an administrative gathering, as it is the birthplace of its strategic direction, strategically designed for the members and other participants to chart its course; strengthen its operational structures; and define clear priorities that would enable it to maximise impact and sustain growth.
He, therefore, urged the members to think boldly, plan wisely, and act decisively, saying, “Remember, the work before us is not for personal gain, but for the transformation of lives and the upliftment of communities, who without our intervention may remain unseen and unheard.”
On his part, the Programme Coordinator of SSI, Ambassador Fidelis Onakpoma, presented a comprehensive report, highlighting the organisation’s recent achievements, which included strategic partnerships with government agencies, embassies and international organisations; the launch of the GROW-Her Project, empowering women and girls in the Niger Delta; a Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) with CDF-GWDN; a scholarship award programme, benefiting underserved students; and targeted humanitarian interventions for Internally Displaced Persons(IDPs).
The meeting equally featured an online introduction session with S SI’s international partner, signalling the organisation’s expanding global collaboration network and readiness to align with international best practices in humanitarian response and development work.
It was also revealed that the day’s proceedings reaffirmed the body’s commitment to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs) through grassroots impact, strategic partnerships, and faith-driven compassion.
With this bold and audacious initiative, analysts and keen observers said it is clear that SSI has set a clear foundation for growth, accountability, and greater humanitarian reach across Nigeria and beyond.
During the meeting, key executives of the organisation were officially presented their appointment letters, including Mr Ogieriakhi Osayuwamen Pedro as Financial Director; Barrister Ekwebelem Chikwendu as Legal Director; and Evangelist Destiny Ese as Welfare and Logistics Officer, among others.
The Programme Director, Ambassador Fidelis Onakpoma said in an interview that he was amazed when the Director introduced the idea of establishing the social impact arm of the Solution Prayer Divine Ministry, saying, he tapped into the idea and resolved to assist SSI achieve its goals using his vast connections and expertise.
He said it is Biblical and also compulsory for churches to have their social impact arm like SSI, stressing that while healing is the spiritual dimension, feeding the flocks with physical food is the social dimension.
Ambassador Onakpoma stressed the need for perceived disadvantaged persons in the society not to be neglected and abandoned but to be encouraged that they still have hope.
According to him, the youths should avoid crime and embrace peace.
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