Niger Delta
FCFMT Resumes Academic Activities, Next Year
Academic activities will resume next session at the Ngo campus of the Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology.
It would be recalled that the Federal Government, through the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria, had recently granted provisional approval for the establishment of a campus of the college at Ngo, headquarters of Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The approval was contained in a letter titled: “Provisional approval for the establishment of a campus of the Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology, Ngo, at Andoni Local Government Area Rivers State”.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting on Wednesday at Ngo, the Executive Secretary, Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria, Professor Garba Hamidu Sharubutu, said the council was satisfied with facilities at the Ngo campus of the college.
He said normal academic activities would resume in the campus from the next academic session.
Sharubutu commended the member representing Andoni/Opobo/Nkoro Federal Constituency, Hon. Awajinombek Abiante, for his effort towards the establishment of the college campus at Ngo.
He said the institution would bring development to the community as well as improve its economic conditions.
The Executive Secretary also urged the people to protect facilities at the new campus.
Also speaking, the Provost of the college, Dr. Chuks Onuoha, said the campus which is the only one in the South South part of the country would assist the college in the training of the huge manpower required in the fishery and marine technology.
Dr. Onuoha said the campus would also assist management to save the cost of moving ex-militants to the Lagos campus for training, as well as improving the skills of local fishermen in the area.
Onuoha also described the college as the foremost fishery institute in the country, noting that since its establishment in 1969, it has graduated people that dominate the fishery and maritime industry.
He said the college awards both OND and HND certificates.
Chairman of Andoni Local Government Area, Barrister Erastus Awortu, said the campus would place Andoni on the map as far as educational institutions are concerned.
“It will bring manpower and oil companies will not have any excuses of lack of manpower, “he said.
Meanwhile, the member representing Andoni/Opobo/Nkoro Federal Constituency, Hon. Awajinombek Abiante, has promised to pay the tuition fees of the first one hundred students who will enroll into the college.
He said the campus being the first of such in the entire South South would be beneficial not only to Andonis but the entire South South region.
He said he had donated parts of his property to facilitate the take-off of the college at Ngo.
Meanwhile some groups in the local government area have commended the Federal Government for the approval.
The groups, which include the Ngo Professionals Forum and the Amango Youths Assembly, said the establishment of the new institute in Ngo would help in the development of the community and the entry Andoni Local Government Area.
President of Ngo Professionals Forum, Monday Oboada, said the campus was long overdue, stressing that it was in line with the yearnings of the people.
According to him, “without much words, all of us know the importance of education in the development of every society.
“The approval of this divine institute to be sited at Ngo is a much welcome and strategic development”, he said.
Monday said the campus would create educational opportunities for sons and daughters of Ngo and Andoni.
He praised Hon. Abiante, for championing the siting of the institution at Ngo.
Also speaking, Vice President of Amango Youths Assembly, Mr Arong Brown, said the campus would attract investors into the community.
He said, “The siting of the Federal College of Fisheries Research and Marine Technology in Ngo Town is a great feat and it’s unprecedented as its presence would beckon investors within and beyond Nigeria for business purposes.
“It will attract road construction and other social amenities in the area including lodges, hotels and hostels for students and business owners, especially those outside Ngo and Andoni and Rivers State, and perhaps, Nigeria.
“Furthermore, not only will it thrive economic activities in Ngo Town but those of its environs by over 500% comparatively thereby, bringing Ngo and Andoni into the economic world”.
By: John Bibor
The Chief Judge of Edo State, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, has called on all court users to collaborate with the state judiciary in its fight against corruption.
Okungbowa made the call on Friday during a special court session held in Benin to mark the opening of the 2025/2026 Legal Year.
He commended the “Bail Is Free Campaign Organisation” for its continued support of the judiciary’s efforts to rid the system of corruption.
The opening ceremony provided an opportunity for the judiciary to reflect on the achievements of the past legal year and to outline goals for the year ahead.
According to the Chief Judge, key focus areas in the previous year included capacity building, administration of criminal justice, and staff welfare.
As the new legal year begins, Okungbowa emphasised the judiciary’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of integrity and transparency in the discharge of its duties.
In recognition of exemplary service, ten members of the state judiciary received the Chief Judge’s Award for being outstanding ambassadors of the institution.
Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Benin Branch, Mr. Idemudia Osifo, urged the Edo State judiciary to continue upholding the principles of justice, fairness, and judicial independence.
Osifo praised the judiciary for its industry, resilience, and steadfastness under the leadership of the Chief Judge, and also highlighted several persistent challenges.
He noted that many courts in Edo State still operated in dilapidated conditions and lacked modern facilities needed for effective justice delivery.
He lamented the prolonged duration of many court cases, which continued to erode public confidence in the system, and stressed the urgent need to improve the working conditions of judicial officers and support staff.
“The safety of judicial officers, lawyers, litigants, and witnesses must be ensured”, he said.
The NBA urged the judiciary to invest in ICT infrastructure to enhance justice delivery, reduce delays, and increase transparency.
It also pledged its commitment to promoting access to justice and defending the sanctity of the legal profession.
As the new legal year begins, the association urged the judiciary to uphold the noble ideals of justice, fairness, and independence.
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has congratulated the Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty, Obi, Prof. Epiphany Azinge, on the occasion of his first year coronation anniversary.
In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, Oborevwori lauded the monarch’s dedication to peace, unity, and the cultural advancement of Asaba.
He described Obi Azinge as a revered traditional ruler and academic whose leadership over the past year has brought renewed pride to the Asaba Kingdom and inspired confidence in traditional institutions across the State.
Oborevwori said: “On behalf of the Government and people of Delta State, I warmly congratulate Your Majesty, Obi, Prof. Epiphany Azinge, SAN, OON, the Asagba of Asaba, on the joyous celebration of your first coronation anniversary.
“Your reign has already demonstrated a deep commitment to the values of peace, inclusiveness, and development.
“As an accomplished academic and respected traditional ruler, you have brought honour not only to the Asaba Kingdom, but also to the entire Delta State.”
The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s support for traditional institutions and assured the Asagba of continued partnership in advancing the interests of the Asaba people.
He wished the monarch long life, wisdom, and a peaceful and prosperous reign.
Obi Prof. Azinge ascended the throne as the Asagba of Asaba in 2024, succeeding the late Obi Prof. Chike Edozien, and has since been recognised for his efforts in promoting cultural heritage, peace and community development.
By: Albert Ograka, Asaba
The Akwa Ibom State Government has launched the Nigeria Solar for Health Project (NISHP) to tackle the challenges of epileptic power supply to the health sector.
The State Governor, Umo Eno, stated this in his keynote address during the state launch on Friday in Uyo, saying that the project would be in collaboration with the EU.
According to the Governor, the project is to strengthen the state’s vision of universal, reliable and sustainable energy access for all communities, especially in rural and peri-urban areas.
Eno, represented by the Deputy Governor, Sen. Akon Enyaenyi, stated that Akwa Ibom State has taken bold steps to domesticate the Electricity Act 2023 through its own Electricity Policy (2024) and Electricity Law (2024).
He said those two instruments mark a turning point in its journey toward a fully-fledged Akwa Ibom State Electricity Market (AKSEM), one that is state-led, private-sector-driven.
According to him, it will be inclusive in all ramifications and acutely focused on developing and sustaining the all-important off-grid sub-sector of the State Electricity Market.
“Electricity is not just a commodity, it is the foundation of healthcare, education, security, and prosperity.
“By establishing a credible electricity market and regulatory framework, we are creating a platform where on-grid and off-grid solutions can coexist, complementing each other to deliver reliable power to all sectors, including our hospitals and health centres”, Eno said.
The Governor further said the project would provide clean, reliable solar energy to healthcare facilities across the state; enhance healthcare delivery, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
He added that it would reduce dependency on diesel and improve environmental sustainability; create local jobs and build technical capacity in solar maintenance and energy services.
Eno commended the state steering committee for taking up the important responsibility.
He said the committee, drawn from both the Ministries of Power and Health, would serve as the vital bridge between policy, implementation and progressive community outcomes.
“Let me assure our development partners, the EU, NTU International, and the REA, that the Akwa Ibom State Government will provide all necessary supports to ensure that this project becomes a model for sustainable energy access in healthcare, not just in our State but across Nigeria.
“This launch is more than a ceremony, it is a statement of intent”, he said.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Power, Mr. Robson Iniobong, said electricity is the very thing that guarantees and announces the functionality of every other sector.
Iniobong stated that the Governor had prioritised his interest in power and health sectors to provide quality services to the people.
In his remarks, Mr. Tinyan Ogiehor, Senior Stakeholders Engagement Manager of NISHP, said the project would establish solar mini-grids at approximately 19 Public Health Centres (PHCs) across the state.
Ogiehor added that the solar project would also reach the state central cold store, with a view to positively impacting healthcare delivery and boosting economic activities.
“Beyond powering the PHCs, this project will enhance the operations of about 75 small businesses located within these facilities”, he said.