Niger Delta

Bayelsa Dep Gov Visits Inmates, Less Privileged On Birthday

Published

4 years ago

September 10, 2021

The Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, on Wednesday, explained why he always identifies with the less privileged on his birthdays, saying it will be uncharitable to throw lavish parties in the midst of misery and hunger.
Senator Ewhrudjakpo stated this while speaking with newsmen at the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, shortly after visiting the sick, prison inmates and special children as part of activities to mark his birthday.
The Deputy Governor, who visited the Nigerian Correctional Centre, Okaka, the Diete Koki Memorial Hospital and Gloryland Children’s Home all in Opolo, was accompanied by some House of Assembly members, commissioners, local government chairmen, and other top government functionaries.
While appreciating the place of celebration in human life, he however, maintained that it would be morally wrong for him to organise loud birthday parties that would not touch the lives of the less privileged in society.
He said a true reflection on the socio-economic situation of the country would challenge every well meaning Nigerian to think more of how to reduce the level of hunger and poverty than to engage in self-glorification and revelry.
“What are you celebrating when there are so many persons who lack? As you see today, we have visited the correctional centre, the orphanage, and some hospitals.You cannot celebrate lavishly when a lot of people are not in a position to have something to eat. That will be very uncharitable. Thousands of people around you are hungry. So, what joy do you actually derive in celebrating in that manner?”, he said.
Senator Ewhrudjakpo appealed to the political class and other well placed citizens to always reach out to the needy, especially in their moment of celebrations as part of service to God and humanity.
According to the Deputy Governor, his birthday on the 5th of September coincided with the yearly celebration of the International Day of Charity, which inspires him to carry out philanthropic activities to justify the day and his belief.
At the Gloryland Children Home, Opolo, Senator Ewhrudjakpo sang and danced with the special children and assured that government would soon build a more befitting centre for them.
Highpoint of the celebration was cutting of his birthday cake with the children as well as donation of food items and cash for their upkeep.
At the Nigerian Correctional Centre, Okaka, the Deputy Governor donated food items and cash to the management of the facility even as he directed the Management of FMC Yenagoa to distribute his little financial gift to all the wards in the facility.
Senator Ewhrudjakpo also made a cash donation and offered to foot the bills of Wednesday 8th September for all registered expectant mothers who turned up for antenatal healthcare at the Diete Koki Memorial Hospital.
Receiving the items, the Commissioner for Women, Children Affairs, Empowerment and Social Development, Mrs. Faith Opene, and Deputy Comptroller of Corrections, Okaka, Mr Emeka Ogbuji, thanked the Deputy Governor for his show of magnanimity towards the needy
Mrs. Opene, who described Senator Ewhrudjakpo as a loving and caring father, prayed God to bless him with more wisdom and resources to cater to the needs of the less privileged.

By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa

Niger Delta

Nembe Renders Development Scorecard … Defers King Koko’s Annual Festival

Published

2 days ago

February 9, 2026

The Tide

The Nembe-Ogbolomabiri Council of Chiefs in the Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State have disclosed its developmental scorecard in the outgone year.

Speaking with Journalists who visited the kingdom during the week, Alternate Chairman of the Council, Alabo Moses Ayebaereworio Solomon-Ockiya said the urban town and her satelite communities were experiencing an unprecedented trajectory of development.

He noted that the kingdom was judiciously deploying funds accruing from the Host Community Development Trust Fund (HCDTF) for rapid infrastructural and human capital development.

The Tide learnt that the HCDTF is one of the many creations of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) which aims at executing developmental projects in host communities of oil and gas firms and facilities.

According to the kingdom, with the funds, delapidated internal roads were being reconstructed, while also overhauling other existing infrastructure and opening up of new roads for pavement to ease traffic in Nembe City, its major urban town.

The Alternate Chairman also bared his mind on the working relationship between an oil firm, Aiteo, which operates in the kingdom and the Nembe people, describing it as cordial.

He noted that the kingdom and the company were partners in progress, stating also that the firm has changed its operational name to Nembe E&P, describing the new nomenclature as more beneficial to the kingdom.

“Our Monarch, His Eminence, King (Dr.) Edmund Maduabebe Daukoru (Mingi XII), told some visitors who came to our kingdom recently that in the next five-six months when they’ll come back that they won’t recognize this town again. Today you can hardly recognize some old parts of this city due to the massive construction and reconstruction which is taking place.

“We’ve constructed between 5-10 kilometers of new roads in this town in the last couple of months. We’ve opened about 10 new roads waiting for construction. We’ve a visionary monarch who believes in the peace and development of his kingdom.

“This kingdom is so organized that we’ve the Council of Chiefs, the elders council, the youths, CDC and women wing. So there is peace, tolerance and harmony in the kingdom”, the Alternate Chairman said.

In another development, the Council of Chiefs has shifted this year’s celebration of the annual King Fredrick Koko’s day to February.

The Tide reports that the annual event usually takes place 29th January.

The Council said the reason for the deferment was because it coincided with the obsequious ceremonies of the late State Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.

The kingdom noted that the new dates for the celebration this year would now be February 11th, 12th and 15th, 2026.

“The burial of the late Deputy Governor of the State concided with the King Koko’s day. As a responsible kingdom, which honours those in authority, we decided to shift the celebration to 11th, 12th and 15th of February 2026.

“The reason for shifting it to February is because the King Koko-led Nembe-British war lasted up to the new dates it has been slated”, Alabo Solomon-Ockiya added.

By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa

Niger Delta

Oborevwori Celebrates Wife At 56

Published

2 days ago

February 9, 2026

The Tide

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has extended heartfelt congratulations to his wife, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, as she marks her 56th birth anniversary.

In a statement issued on Thursday by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, the Governor expressed deep appreciation for the steadfast support and encouragement of his wife over the years, noting that her unwavering commitment and prayers played a significant role in their journey to becoming Delta State’s First Family.

He described Deaconess Tobore as a devout and compassionate mother whose impact on society has been profound, particularly through her constant prayers and moral support for the state and their family.

The Governor also commended her humanitarian efforts through her pet initiative, the “You Matter Charity Foundation”, which he said has continued to touch lives, with special attention to vulnerable members of the society, widows and elderly, including children living with autism.

Oborevwori said: “On behalf of our family, as well as the government and people of Delta State, I warmly felicitate my dear wife, Her Excellency, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, on the joyful occasion of her 56th birthday.

“She has remained a shining example of dedication, compassion, and godly values, not only to our children, but to the entire state.

“As she celebrates this milestone, it is my earnest prayer, and that of our children, that God will continually endow her with strength, wisdom, and clarity of purpose as she carries out the demanding responsibilities of the Office of the First Lady of Delta State.”

He further expressed his personal admiration for his wife, describing her as a source of daily joy and inspiration.

“You make every day a pleasure with your self-effacing mien, cheerful disposition, love for God, devotion to family, disciplined work ethic, and unwavering service to humanity. I celebrate you today and always. Happy birthday, my love and best friend”, he said.

By: Albert Ograka, Asaba

Niger Delta

NDDC Restates Commitment To Support Security Agencies In N’Delta

Published

2 days ago

February 9, 2026

The Tide

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has restated its commitment to supporting security agencies in the Niger Delta, describing peace and stability as the foundation for sustainable development in the region.

Managing Director of the Commission, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, said the NDDC’s collaboration with security agencies is driven by the understanding that development cannot flourish in an atmosphere of insecurity, just as underdevelopment often fuels conflict and unrest.

Speaking during a courtesy visit by the Flag Officer Commanding, Central Naval Command, Rear Admiral Suleiman Ibrahim, at the Commission’s headquarters in Port Harcourt, Ogbuku noted that the NDDC had deliberately built strong partnerships with security institutions to protect critical national assets and create an enabling environment for economic growth.

According to him, the Commission’s support for security agencies aligns with the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure peace and security across the country, stressing that the relative calm currently enjoyed in the Niger Delta is the result of sustained security interventions.

Ogbuku explained that security is a collective responsibility involving host communities, government and development institutions, adding that the NDDC would continue to provide strategic support to the Nigerian Navy and other agencies to enhance their operational effectiveness.

He assured the Naval Command of the Commission’s readiness to deepen engagement, maintain open channels of communication and undertake field visits to better understand the operational challenges faced by security agencies.

Earlier, Rear Admiral Ibrahim commended the NDDC for its visible development projects across the Niger Delta, noting that the Commission’s interventions had positively impacted communities and security formations in the region.

He said the Navy’s efforts to safeguard oil exploration, production and transportation, including the recently launched Operation Sentinel, would require sustained collaboration, particularly as Nigeria targets increased crude oil production in the coming years.

The Naval Commander urged the NDDC to sustain and expand its support, noting that improved security would translate into higher oil output, increased revenue, and accelerated development for the Niger Delta and the country at large.