Niger Delta

NDDC Fast-Tracks Completion Of Headquarters Complex

Published

8 years ago

March 5, 2018

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

Niger Delta

Oborevwori Launches Medical Outreach For Children With Special Needs

Published

2 days ago

February 16, 2026

The Tide

The Wife of Delta State Governor, Mrs. Tobore Oborevwori, has launched a free medical outreach for children with special needs in Delta South.

The event, which attracted scores of caregivers, medical professionals, and government functionaries, took place at Dom Domingos College, Warri.

It was organised by the governor’s wife’s pet project, “You Matter Charity Foundation”, in partnership with the State Ministry of Health.

In a speech at the event, Oborevwori said the initiative sought to promote public awareness about autism and other notable infants’ developmental conditions.

She said the programme also aimed ”to eliminate stigma and encourage inclusion of persons living with disabilities.”

According to her, the outreach is structured to cover the state’s three senatorial districts.

She noted that the programme took place earlier in Ughelli, Delta Central, where beneficiaries received medications and assistive devices, including educational materials to support learning among children with special needs.

Oborevwori, who thanked residents and local government chairmen in Delta South for their cooperation, also commended the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, and medical teams for their dedication to the success of the programme.

She admonished parents and caregivers to continue to show patience, compassion, and understanding towards children with special needs.

The Tide’s source reports that health workers from the ministry and Primary Healthcare Development Agency participated in the programme.

In her remark, the Director-General of the foundation, Mrs. Lawrentta Ogbedo, said the outreach would reduce financial pressure on families that have children with special needs.

She underscored the importance of early diagnosis and consistent medical attention for such children.

The Chairman of Warri South LGA, Mr. Isaac Agbateyiniro, thanked the governor’s wife for the initiative, and described her kind intervention as ”timely and beneficial to struggling families”.

Also, the Chairman, Post Primary Education Board, Mr. Samuel Mariere, applauded the foundation’s effort in extending support to children with special needs in society.

Mariere said the programme had provided hope and practical support to many households.

The source reports that the event featured free medical consultations and treatment for children.

Also, health experts delivered talks on autism awareness, care strategies, and social acceptance.

Participants were also enlightened on the legal protections against discrimination for persons with disabilities.

Other highlights included the distribution of wheelchairs, medications, and assistive materials, among other items, to the beneficiaries.

Niger Delta

UniCal Commits To Nursing Education Dev In C’River

Published

2 days ago

February 16, 2026

The Tide

The Vice Chancellor, University of Calabar (UniCal), Prof. Offiong Offiong, has reiterated the institution’s commitment towards supporting the growth of nursing education in the state.

Offiong, who made the statement recently in Calabar when members of the Basic Nursing and Midwifery Sciences Certificate Affiliation Committee visited him in his office, said as a federal university located in Cross River State, the institution would remain committed to the development of the state and the wellbeing of its residents.

The Vice Chancellor said UniCal would strategically collaborate with the state government to ensure improved healthcare education, professional training and standards.

“I commend the state government for expanding nursing institutions, this development has stimulated youth interest in health-related careers.

“We shall revisit the affiliation process to ensure compliance with national and international academic standards,” he said.

Offiong continued that curriculum review, adequate academic staffing and strict quality assurance measures would be given priority attention in the process.

He urged the state government to provide logistics support to students undertaking clinical postings in health facilities.

Leader of the delegation, Dr. Henry Ayuk, congratulated Offiong on his appointment as the Vice Chancellor of the university.

Ayuk, who’s also the Commissioner for Health in the State, commended the university for its contributions to the growth of the health sector.

He said the Bassey Otu-led government was committed to deepening collaboration with the university in order to strengthen nursing education and healthcare delivery.

The team leader expressed optimism that the partnership would boost professional training, institutional development and healthcare outcomes in the state.

Niger Delta

Agency Demolishes Illegal Roadside Structures In Delta N8 by … Clears Street Traders

Published

2 days ago

February 16, 2026

The Tide

The Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency has commenced the removal of illegal roadside structures and street traders across Asaba.

The enforcement drive targeted areas where traders and makeshift stalls have taken over roads, walkways and drainage channels.

Speaking during the exercise, the Director-General of the agency, Mr. Patrick Ukah, said the action was necessary due to the growing safety concerns caused by unchecked roadside trading.

Ukah said the action formed part of a broader urban renewal programme aimed at improving sanitation, reducing traffic congestion and enhancing road safety.

He noted that the activities had disrupted traffic flow and exposed motorists and pedestrians to avoidable dangers.

According to him, the agency’s action is not directed at individuals but aimed at restoring order and enforcing existing regulations.

Ukah warned that the agency would not tolerate activities that deface the capital or threaten public safety.

He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to maintaining a clean, safe and orderly capital, saying a well-managed Asaba remains vital to the image of the state and its development.

Urging affected traders to relocate to approved government markets across the city, Ukah said the operation would continue and might be extended to other locations if violations persist.

Major locations affected include Akpu Junction, Marble Hill Junction, and the Arcade near Ogbeogonogo Market.

The Tide’s source reports that in addition to dismantling illegal structures, the agency intensified sanitation efforts along major roads.

Special attention was given to the Mammy Market and Traffic Light axis of Asaba to sustain cleanliness.

The agency’s Head of Environment, Mr. Isaac Nwosu, said the teams would ensure compliance and prevent a return of illegal roadside activities.

Nwosu called on residents and traders to support the agency by adhering to environmental regulations.