Niger Delta

Diri Assures On Better Days In 2023

Published

3 years ago

January 3, 2023

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has assured people of the state of better days ahead.
Speaking during a state-wide New Year broadcast, Sunday, in Yenagoa, Governor Diri acknowledged the challenges of the outgone year, but expressed the optimism that with the help of God, and careful planning being implemented by his administration, the state will fare better in 2023.
He recalled the devastating effects of the 2022 floods on the state, but assured that the government has taken practical steps toward recovery and reconstruction.
The Governor stressed that development should not be driven by political expediency or blind propaganda, but by critically prioritising the needs of the people and creating the conditions for a desirable future.
He also called on people of the state to put their differences aside and resolve to work together to achieve the dreams of the State’s founding fathers, especially as the 2023 general election approaches.
In 2022, he said, his administration continued with addressing the state’s developmental deficits in infrastructure, including roads, health, education, human capacity development, and security.
In roads, the Governor stated that his administration was bent on linking all communities in the state through a robust network, stressing that in line with this desire, work has progressed simultaneously on the three senatorial roads and other road projects dotted across the state.
He stated the commitment of his administration to continue with reconstruction of infrastructure damaged by the floods, particularly the Amassoma Road leading to the Niger Delta University.
Diri contended that the state also made appreciable progress in the health, sports, education, agriculture, security, public service and other sectors.
Ahead of the 2023 elections, the Bayelsa helmsman called on politicians to be tolerant and to eschew violence, stressing that election should be a contest of ideas and choices and not an opportunity to settle political scores.
“I recall that for several weeks across October and November in 2022, our state was inundated by flooding of unprecedented proportions.
“The devastation that occurred turned our state into an Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) Camp. Critical infrastructure, including roads, bridges, schools and hospitals were severely destroyed and degraded.
“About 400 communities were submerged with over one million persons displaced. Several deaths were also recorded.
“But by God’s grace, despite all of these, we prevailed. So, with our faith firmly anchored on our Heavenly Father, we look forward to a better 2023.
“As clearly stated in the state’s Budget of Sustainable Growth and Reconstruction for this year, our expectation is not bereft of careful planning.
“The necessary consideration has been given to the imperatives of recovery and reconstruction. We have carefully outlined an expenditure profile that instigates development and that is in keeping with our administration’s fidelity with our people in the prudent use of our collective resources.
“In 2022, my administration continued to address the deficits that impact our people in order to accelerate the pace of our development. We are addressing the deficit in infrastructure, including roads, health, education, human capacity development, and security.
“As we approach the general election in a few weeks, let me restate my position that a government of the people, for the people and by the people represents our best option for electing leaders.
“I implore politicians in Bayelsa and elsewhere in Nigeria to be tolerant and eschew violent conducts. The election should be a contest of ideas and choices and not an opportunity to settle political scores or an excuse for calumny.
“That is why we must insist on some irreducible minimum required for those who seek leadership roles”, the Governor said.

By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa

Niger Delta

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

Published

2 days 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

2 days 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

2 days 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.