Niger Delta

New NNAD Exco Seeks RSG’s Support

Published

6 years ago

October 28, 2019

Newly elected executive of the Rivers State chapter of the Nigeria National Association of the Deaf (NNAD), has solicited the support of the State Government.
In a letter addressed to the Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation and signed by the association’s South-South Zonal Coordinator, Idehenre Oritseweyinmi Jolly and made available to The Tide in Port Harcourt, NNAD said members need the support of the government to live a better life.
The letter, which was addressed to the Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, also introduced the new executive of the body to the commissioner.
The statement said of the ten positions, nine returned unopposed, while only the post of the Chairman was contested for by Mr Hezekiah Daopuye and Mr Ibulubo Adokiye.
Meanwhile, Chairman, Joint National Association of Persons with Disability, Mr Kie Obomanu has congratulated the new chairman of the deaf association in River State, Mr Adokiye Ibulubo.
The letter introducing its new executive to the Ministry reads, “The Nigeria National Association of the deaf wishes to commend your honourable and your Ministry for maintaining equity, love, fairness and all-embracing principles and practices to all people with disability, including the deaf in the state.
“We pray Almighty God to continue to endow you with all needed means to continue performing your good work and reward you abundantly.
“The above named association (NNAD) is the umbrella body of all associations of the deaf people in Nigeria. It is registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and world professional and socio-cultural body called World Federation of the Deaf, WFD.
“We humbly and respectfully request for your Honourable and Ministry to recognise the newly elected executive of Rivers State Association of the deaf which is an affiliate body of the Nigeria National Association of the Deaf, Abuja, Nigeria, as the duly responsible and representative of the deaf in Rivers State.”
It said the election which held on October 19, 2019 at the Women Education Centre/Special School for the Handicapped, Port Harcourt, saw Mr Daopuye with no vote, while Adokiye polled a total of 122 votes.
The NNAD said the elected officials will pilot the affairs of all deaf persons in Rivers State for the next four years.
Other elected officials are Mr Graham Nelson Jaja, (Vice Chairman), Okosun Gideon Samson, (Secretary General), Nation Matthew, (Public Relations Officer), Ms Uche Micah, (Women Leader), Mr Barinaale Yaana, (Treasurer), Mrs. Florence Teade,( Social/Welfare Secretary), Ekwueme Okechukwu, (Financial Secretary), Ugochukwu Ahakwo, (Youth Leader) and Tamka Nwilenle (Chief Whip).

Dennis Naku

Niger Delta

Uyo High Court Awards Damages To Masquerade Over Arrest

Published

2 weeks ago

December 8, 2025

The Tide

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

Niger Delta

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

Published

2 weeks ago

December 8, 2025

The Tide

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

Niger Delta

Make God Your Anchor To Fulfill Destiny, Cleric Charges Christians … As Jaja Marks 70th Birthday

Published

2 weeks ago

December 5, 2025

The Tide

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.