Niger Delta
Delta Govt Strategises On Renewal Energy Roadmap
The Delta State Government says it is strategising to ensure the successful implementation of its renewable energy policy roadmap 2022- 2027, aimed at providing access to electricity to all residents of the state.
Mr Daramfon Bassey, the Project Manager, Clean Technology Hub (CTH) disclosed this at a stakeholders meeting on renewable energy policy roadmap for the state yesterday in Asaba.
Bassey said that the project was being sponsored by Heinrich Boll Stiftung; a German organisation.
He said that the meeting was aimed at exploring areas of collaboration between the private sector and the government towards successful implementation of the project.
According to him, this policy will serve as a blueprint to achieve the state government’s vision for universal access to electricity, climate resilience and economic growth beyond oil in the state.
“This policy will also help to complement the social and economic development aspirations of the state as part of the Delta Medium-Term Development Plan (DSMTDP) between 2022 and 2027.
“As the world moves cleaner and more sustainable forms of energy, and as the Federal Government implement its national renewable energy policy, it is important that Delta is not left out behind,” he said.
Bassey said that the policy and inputs from the meeting would be shaped, molded and championed by the state Ministry of Energy, adding that the policy would be adopted by the state government.
According to him, the policy resulting from the meeting is expected to reflect the sectoral needs and targets of the state, drive sustainable development and stable energy access as well as reduce carbon emissions.
In his presentation, a Consultant working with Clean Technology Hub, Mr Abel Gaiya, said that the meeting was meant to receive feedback from the stakeholders on the renewable energy policy roadmap.
Gaiya noted that the information from the National Bureau of Statistics ((NBS) showed that the present national grid capacity and power distribution system is inadequate to supply Delta state’s electricity needs.
According to NBS, 78 per cent of the households in Delta were electrified by 2014, and that the figure was higher than that of the South South zone household electrification percentage of 63.
He, however, said that due to the limitations of the national grid, more than half of the state’s population was either off-grid or highly underserved by the national grid.
Gaiya therefore stressed the need for transition from an oil-based economy to a more diversified one in which renewable and clean energy plays a more prominent role.
He explained that the goal of the renewable energy is to improve the electrification rate as well as replace existing sources of energy that are not climate change and health friendly in the state.
On his part, the representative of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Mr Mohammed Dukku, explained that in the South-South region, the agency currently has 63 new capital projects and that six of them are ongoing.
Dukku said that as part of the agency’s ‘Energizing Education Programme’, the project is being implemented by the REA in phases, adding that the first phase of the programme is fully funded by the Federal Government.
“Within this phase, nine beneficiary institutions to be powered by solar hybrids are benefiting from funding from the Green Bond issued by the FGN.
According to him, Delta is one of the benefiting institution as well as the Federal University of Petroleum Resources Effurun (FUPRE).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a total of 125 persons from both public and private sectors attended the two-day programme.
Niger Delta
RSNC Head Charges NAOMEW On Professionalism, Effective Service Delivery

The Head of Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mrs Stella Dornubari Gbaraba, has charged the National Association of Ogoni Media House Workers (NAOMEW) World Wide, to be committed to professionalism, patriotism and effective service delivery in the discharge of their duties and rendering of patriotic gestures.
Mrs Gbaraba gave the charge yesterday when the NAOMEW, The Tide Chapter paid her a courtesy call in her office in Port Harcourt.
She expressed deep appreciation for the visit, and assured the Association of her commitment to being a worthy Ogoni Ambassador like late Mr Augustine Nwikinaka, former General Manager of the corporation, to promote the fortunes of the corporation, while counting on their unflinching encouragement, prayers and support to succeed.
“ I am very happy to receive the National Association of Ogoni Media House Workers (The Tide Chapter) today in my office. I am glad you people came to my office, for those that know me in a short while in the corporation, I am a serious-minded person. I heard that the time the corporation was functioning well was under the leadership of late Austin Nwikinaka. Any where I go to, I will rather come down and show working example and that is what the Ogoni person is known for. So I am always proud to associate myself with an Ogoni man, so your support means so much to me,” Mrs Gbaraba said.
She assured them of running an open-door policy in the management of the corporation, and urged stronger partnership between NAOMEW, other unions, interest groups, corporate organisations, institutions and the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation in professional service delivery.
Speaking on behalf of the NAOMEW, The Tide Chapter, the National Secretary of the association, Comrade Taneh Beemene welcomed her into The Tide family and also congratulated her on her very important appointment.
Taneh, who expressed confidence in her experience and abilities to deliver on her assignments, thanked her for the uncommon feats recorded in the corporation within her brief leadership. He said the corporation has been revived from its comatose status that predated her appointment.
“ Within your short time, you have given the corporation a remarkable facelift. We pray that God should give you the enablement to restore the dignity of the corporation. We have come to inform you that we are solidly behind you and will make our untiring contributions to make you succeed, “ he stated.
In his vote of thanks and closing remarks, the Chairman, National Union of Printing, Publishing and Paper Production Workers (NUPPPPROW), Comrade Keyirale Donatus Nwiueh thanked the Head of the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mrs Stella Dornubari Gbaraba for receiving the association in a warm manner, adding that she should count on the support of the association to succeed.
Kiadum Edookor
Niger Delta
OBALGA Sole Administrator Presents Brand New Fire Extinguishers To Council …Commiserates With Traders Over Rumuomasi Market Fire Incident …Commences Desilting Of Drainages

The Sole Administrator of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Dr Clifford Ndu Walter has presented 150 brand new fire extinguishers to the council.
Dr Walter who spoke to newsmen at the council premises at Rumuodumanya said the gesture was part of measures by his administration to ensure safety of lives and council property from unforeseen fire incidents.
He urged the staff of the council to ensure the safety of the extinguishers, while promising to engage experts to teach them how to handle and operate the extinguishers.
Meanwhile, Sole Administrator of Obio Akpor Local Government Council, Dr Clifford Ndu Walter has commiserated with traders at the Rumuomasi Market over the unfortunate fire incident that gutted parts of the market.
Dr Walter who visited the market to assess the level of damage caused by the fire, described it as unfortunate
Addressing the crowd of distressed traders and community members, Dr. Walter acknowledged the historical significance of the market, which was originally built under the administration of the former Obio/Akpor Chairman and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief (Barr.) Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON.
He noted that preliminary findings suggest the fire may have been caused by an electrical fault, though a full investigation is still underway.
“As a local government, we will constitute a thorough investigation team to determine the root cause of the fire,
“Most importantly, we thank God that no lives were lost. I want to assure our traders that the Local Government will not abandon you.
“We will also work with security operatives to safeguard salvaged goods and prevent further losses,” he said.
He encouraged traders to adopt stricter safety measures, especially concerning electrical appliances in markets prone to fire hazards.
“There are many ways fires can ignite, even without an open flame. Let us all be vigilant and prioritise safety,” he cautioned.
Dr. Walter also commended those who stepped in to assist during the emergency.
“We are grateful to all who helped salvage goods and support affected persons during the crisis. Your kindness embodies the spirit of Obio/Akpor. The forthcoming investigation will help us put preventive structures in place,” he said.
The Chairman of the market, Mr. Prince Adele, who accompanied Dr. Walter, during the inspection, identified K-Lane as the most severely affected area.
A statement by the information officer to the council, Ominini Leslie Wokoma said no incident of death was reported by the traders during the visit.
In another development, the Sole Administrator of Obio/Akpor local government council, Sir Clifford Ndu Walter, has commenced a comprehensive canal clearance campaign with a view to identifying and removal of all blockages including illegal structures hindering the free flow of waters in the area.
A statement from the council Press Secretary, Ominini Leslie Wokoma said during the inspection of key canals in the area, several unauthorised barricades and blockages were discovered and removed.
According to the statement, Dr Walter emphasised that illegal dumping, unapproved structures and poor drainage habits endanger communities and undermine government efforts, adding that his administration is committed to protecting lives and property of the citizens.
It said the Sole Administrator also declared his readiness to ensure that all canals and drainages are cleaned, maintained and functioning effectively.
He also warned against further dumping of waste in waterways, citing impending flooding.