Niger Delta

Rivers Has Surpassed SEEFOR Targets -Coordinator

Published

6 years ago

January 20, 2020

As the Phase I of the State Employment and Expenditure for Results (SEEFOR) winds down this year, National Coordinator of the programme, Dr. Greg Onu, says Rivers State has surpassed its targets in all component and subcomponents of the programme
Dr. Onus said this at a media briefing, weekend in Port Harcourt.
The SEEFOR project which is being funded by the World Bank in partnership with the European Union (EU) is aimed at enhancing opportunities for employment and access to socio-economic services while improving public expenditure management system in participating states.
Dr. Onu told newsmen that the success of Phase I would determine if any of the four implementing states will benefit from Phase II of the programme adding that so far, Rivers state deserves to benefit from the second phase, having performed beyond expectations.
He also said some states had already indicated interest to be part of the Phase II of the programme which would soon be signed.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State coordinator of SEEFOR project, Mr. Keliivus Amos, said the state had surpassed its targets in all components of the programme.
Amos told newsmen that the Public Works component of the project made 497 intervention in road maintenance while 21, 770 youths have engaged across the state in this component, in addition to turning of the youths on money management and entrepreneurial skills.
He also told newsmen that on subcomponent which is Technical Vocational and Agricultural Training 9TUAT) about 5,134 youths were trained under this sub-component.
The coordinator also said, under the subcomponent, some institutions were provided with teaching aides.
He listed the institutions and centres to include; Government Technical College (GTC) Port Harcourt, GTC, Ele-Ogu, GTC Ahoada and GTC Tombia.
The rest are: Government Craft Development Centre (GCDC) Port Harcourt, School –To- Land Authority Port Harcourt, Women Development Centre Taabaa, ElechiAmadi Polytechnic Port Harcourt and the Ken SaroWiwaPolytechic, Bori while starter, packs were given out to some graduates of the institution.
He further said under the Community Driven Development Social (CDDS) being implemented by Ministry of Chieftancy/ Community Affairs, 97 projects were executed in 47 communities, while under the Community Driven Development Economic (CDDE) being implemented by FADAMA III 712 cooperatives from 49 communities benefitted.
Amos also told newsmen that the Public Financial Management Reform (PRM) which is component B of the project was designed to support and deepen the on-going financial management reform efforts of the state government to ensure judicious uitilisation of funds.
Journalists were earlier conducted round some projects completed by the agency in some points of the state.
They are; a borehole and Civic Centre at Ewike Eleme, Fadama project at Fimie-Ama, and concrete foot bridge at Buguma.
The rest are: 240 metre road project at Onueke Igwuruta and Mechanical and ICT workshop at Elechi Amadi Polytechnic Port Harcourt.

John Bibor, Aminu Ngoma & Josephine Nsirim

Niger Delta

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

Published

20 hours 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.

Niger Delta

Remember Me As Fighter Against Sexual Harassment – UNICAL VC

Published

21 hours ago

December 5, 2025

The Tide

The outgoing Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar (UniCal), Prof. Florence Obi, has said she will want to be remembered for fighting sexual harassment and delayed results.

Obi made the remark recently at an event in Calabar, organised by the university to mark the end of her five-year tenure as the 11th substantive Vice Chancellor of the institution.

It would be recalled that Obi, whose tenure expired on November 30, was appointed Vice Chancellor on September 10, 2020, but officially assumed office on December 1, 2020.

She said her commitment to protecting students, especially the female ones, remained one of her greatest achievements as Vice Chancellor.

She said, “I fought against sexual predators and ensured timely release of students’ results to curb frustration within the institution.”

While expressing fulfilment at completing her tenure and thanking God for enabling her finish strong after five years in office, she said she would return to the classroom because teaching remained her passion.

Earlier, she addressed staff and students outside her office during a carnival-like, marching out parade in her honour, thanking them for their support throughout her administration.

She also encouraged them to support her successor to enable him to succeed and take the university to greater heights.

“This institution has recorded significant growth and I am confident that my successor will advance the progress already made”, she said.

The Tide’s source reports that under her leadership, the largest solar power plant in Cross River State was built in UniCal, ensuring stable electricity for the university and its teaching hospital.

Other achievements included upgrading the Faculty of Education to a College, getting Mass Communication accredited and elevated to a Faculty.

Her administration also constructed new hostels, introduced departmental scholarships, built a fire service station, and completed the Law Faculty complex.

Niger Delta

Oborevwori Presents N1.664tn 2026 Appropriations Bill

Published

23 hours ago

December 5, 2025

The Tide

Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oboreveori, on Wednesday, presented the 2026 Appropriation Bill of N1.664 trillion to the State House of Assembly.

Presenting the bill during plenary of the Assembly in Asaba, Oborevwori said, “I wish to announce a budget proposal of N1.664 trillion for the services of Delta State Government in 2026.”

He said the amount comprised the sum of N499 billion, representing 30 per cent of total budget for Recurrent Expenditure, and N1.165 trillion representing 70 per cent of total budget for Capital Expenditure.

The Governor added that the 2026 budget size indicated an increase of N685 billion, or 70 per cent over the 2025 Appropriation.

He also said sources of funds for the 2026 budget as proposed would be mainly from statutory allocation, internally generated revenue, mineral derivation, and Value Added, Tax among others.

Giving breakdown of the budget proposal, he said the state was earmarking N450 billion for road projects across the state in the 2026 fiscal year.

He said, ”A well-developed road infrastructure is a catalyst for economic growth.

”It facilitates easy movement of goods and services, reduces transportation costs, attracts investment, and improves access to markets and thereby boosting socio-economic development and generating employment opportunities.

”Agriculture is key to economic diversification and sustainable development.

”We shall continue to devote considerable attention and resources to fast-track developments in the agricultural sector towards enhancing food security in Delta State.

”This will also enable economic diversification, promote self-reliance, and generate employment opportunities.”

The Tide’s source reports that the sum of 10 billion has been earmarked for the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources in the 2026 Budget.

Oborevwori, who is the immediate past Speaker of the Assembly, commended the House for its partnership and urged members to expedite consideration and passage of the budget to sustain ongoing development momentum.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building “a prosperous, secure, and stronger Delta where no one is left behind.”

In his remarks, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Mr. Dennis Guwor, commended Oborevwori’s administration for the steady strides recorded under the “Renewed Hope for MORE Agenda”.

”Over the past year, we have witnessed sustained investments in critical infrastructure, impactful social interventions, prudent fiscal management of resources, and strategic initiatives aimed at promoting peace, security, and economic stability across the State”, he said.

Guwor also commended the Governor for approving the Consolidated Legislative Salary Structure (CONLESS) and initiating the construction of permanent offices for the Assembly Service Commission.

He assured the Governor of the Assembly’s resolve to undertake a thorough and timely review of the appropriation bill, stressing that the Legislature remains committed to people-centered governance, accountability, and equitable development.

“Your Excellency, I want to assure you that the entire Members of this 8th Assembly are united behind your vision for the transformation of the State.

”While our roles in government are distinct and protected by the Constitution, our objectives remain aligned; delivering the greatest good to the greatest number of the people of the state”, he stated.