Connect with us

Niger Delta

FG Inaugurates Another Bridge In Edo Community

Published

3 years ago

on

The Federal Government inaugurated a dualised bridge and road project in Aden Community, Ovia South-West Local Government Area of Edo State.
The Tide source reports that the inauguration of the projects was performed by the Minister of State, Budget and National Planning, Prince Clem Agba.
Agba said the bridge and the road were awarded by the Federal Government in December 2020 at the cost of N1.2 billion, under the economic sustainability plan to sustain livelihoods in the area.
The source reports that the Minister had, in April, inaugurated a reconstructed bridge in Uzanu Community in Etsako-East Council Area and other road projects in Edo North Senatorial District.
Agba recalled that in 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, government had come up with an economic sustainability plan.
He said the sum of N500 billion had been set aside to develop some programmes across the country, just to keep livelihoods going.
The minister further stated that he had set aside the sum of N60 billion to take care of road rehabilitation throughout the country in the budget then.
“There were some people who believed that we should be constructing new roads, but I had to convince the Vice-President, who was our Chairman, that we needed to take care of road sections and bridges that had already gone bad.
“That was when Engr. Stanley Dako, the Director of Operations, FERMA, mentioned Aden bridge to me. I had never been here before.
“He said the bridge was a single lane and that there was an oil mill that was of economic importance to the people along that axis.
“He (Dako) said the people were suffering as a result of the bad road and bridge.
“So, we actually came up with two bridges for Edo. This Aden bridge where we made initial allocation of N600 million, and the bridge in Uzanu Community, which we also provided for with about N480 million initial funding”, he said.
Agba said he was glad that the work on the bridge was practically complete and that it was now useable.
The Minister, who said the bridge was no longer a single-lane bridge, commended FERMA for doing a ‘fantastic and commendable’ job.
He said the 2020 budget had, on December 17, 2019, been signed off by President Muhammadu Buhari.
Agba, however, stated that it had to be redone, such that about N500 billion was sourced from some special accounts to accommodate the projects.
He commended the President for giving approvals for all the projects under the economic sustainability plan executed in Edo.
A community leader, Mr Mavis Nogheghase, who spoke at the occasion, thanked the Federal Government for its intervention, saying that the bridge had been in deplorable condition for about 17 years.
The source reports that residents of the community, who came out in their numbers to welcome the minister, sang songs of praises to thank God and the President for remembering them.

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

Niger Delta

Uyo High Court Awards Damages To Masquerade Over Arrest

Published

4 days ago

on

December 8, 2025

By

A High Court in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, has awarded damages to a masquerade who was arrested by the State Police Command for allegedly disturbing public peace during traditional worship rites.
The arrest followed an executive order reportedly issued by the State Governor, directing the Commissioner of Police to detain any masquerade seen performing during the Yuletide period.
Acting on this directive, a masquerade, identified as Mr. Effiong, a practitioner of traditional worship, was arrested and subsequently charged to court.
In a landmark ruling, the court sided with Mr. Effiong and his custodian, affirming that Ekpo, a recognised traditional religious practice in Akwa Ibom State, is protected under the law, and that its adherents are entitled to the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution.
The judge held that Mr. Effiong’s arrest and detention violated his rights to personal liberty and freedom of religion.
The court ordered his immediate and unconditional release and directed the Akwa Ibom State Government to pay damages for the infringement of his fundamental human rights and freedom of worship.
Human rights experts have hailed the judgment as a significant affirmation of Nigeria’s constitutional protection of traditional religious practices, emphasising the importance of respecting the country’s cultural and religious diversity.
By: Enoch Epelle
Continue Reading

Niger Delta

MOSIEND Seeks Water Projects In Buguma From NDDC … Urges RSG To Revamp Fish Farm

Published

4 days ago

on

December 8, 2025

By

The Movement for the Survival of the Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND) has called on the Management  of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to embark on water projects in Buguma city in Asari Toru Local Government Area (ASALGA), Rivers State
The Group also called on the Rivers State government to revamp the Buguma fish farm to create employment for the teeming youths.
On the water project in Buguma, MOSIEND said the population of Buguma has increased tremendously and that the residents need more water projects to enhance the daily livelihood of the people.
The Group also appealed to the Chairman of the LGA to assist in making the project a reality and also attract more developmental projects to the LGA.
MOSIEND’s Eastern Zonal Coordinator,  Half Hour, Comrade Tammy Bruce Longjohn, made the call on a radio programme in Rhythm 93.7fm, “Talk of the Town”.
LongJohn, who made the call alongside the Chairman of MOSIEND in Buguma, Mark Ojuka, and his counterpart in Obuama,  Hon. Sandra Owunari, also called on the Management of Nigeria Liquidifed Natural Gas (NLNG) to embark on a free medical outreach in all Kalabari communities to improve their health status.
He appealed to NLNG to award scholarship to indigens of Kalabari communities in tertiary institutions to better their education, noting that the company is doing same in Bonny, while abandoning Kalabari communities
“We need contracts, free medicals, scholarships and employment, including skill acquisition programmes for our teeming youths in Kalabari extractions”, LongJohn stated.
On Security, Mark Ojuka said security in Buguma is  at zero level with the help of the Amama soldiers, saying “the city is more peaceful and investor-friendly as the youths of the area have cordial relationship with the security agencies in the area.
“Security is very secured in Buguma clan”
On revamping the Buguma fish farm, he said, “The youths are asking for human capacity building in the area to reduce unemployment.
“The revamping of the Buguma fish farm will also reduce youth violence.”
By: Chinedu Wosu
Continue Reading

Niger Delta

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

Published

7 days ago

on

December 5, 2025

By

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.

Continue Reading

Trending