Niger Delta
New Varsities, My Enduring Legacies – Okowa
Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, has said the establishment of three new universities remains the highest of his administration’s legacies for the state.
The Governor, who stated this on Saturday at the Founders’ Day Celebration of University of Delta (UNIDEL), Agbor, said the new universities had justified their establishment by bridging the gaps in university admission for the people of Delta.
He said UNIDEL had admitted about 5,219 students since it began academic activities in the 2022/2023 academic session.
Okowa said founders’ day meant a lot to a school as it allowed members of the university community to meet friends and associates to thank those who founded the school and others who had contributed to its growth.
“Today’s event is about the success of a purposeful idea aimed at expanding the frontiers of knowledge and institutionalising the deepening of higher education for the advancement of society through research, teaching and learning; the tripod on which tertiary education stands.
“Today, the three new universities we established are in session and have helped in narrowing the gap, while at the same time, bringing higher education nearer and cheaper to our people”, he said.
The Governor appealed to the university’s Governing Council and Management to continue on the trajectory of raising the stakes in its determination to grow it to enviable heights.
“For the students, I implore you to exhibit the highest sense of responsibility and patriotism.
“This university should be known for academic excellence, because that way, you can attract goodwill and resources to your university.
“This will attract endowments, scholarship schemes and other benefits from stakeholders and well-meaning members of society eager to leave landmarks and legacies here.
“Please be proud of the opportunity you have been offered to do the right things and carry out the intention, purpose and vision of the founders – real education for the advancement of society while preparing for a successful and purposeful future”, Okowa said.
He urged the authorities to ensure that students were trained in entrepreneurship studies and engaged in research and consultancy services as a means of generating funding for the university.
On the criticisms trailing the school fees charged in the universities, Okowa appealed to parents and guardians to show understanding, adding that the naira had depreciated over time.
“I have heard people complain that the fees are too much, but I know that the total fees paid in this institution and the other two institutions is less than N200,000 per annum.
“I am also aware of private universities that charge fees running up to millions per annum. Imagine the plight of an average family with three wards who are qualified for admission to universities.
“People must understand that the naira has depreciated a lot and the universities must run their affairs.
“We pay the salaries of all the staff and the infrastructure as much as we can but it’s important that the universities are financially strong to enable them run the day-to-day activities of the institution”, he said.
He added, “we believe that we don’t want to have universities that cannot keep the students in a functional state of learning, so, I appeal to parents to please bear with us as the naira has since depreciated”.
In her speech, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Stella Chiemeke, lauded the vision behind the establishment of the university.
She said at its inception in 2021, UNIDEL commenced academic activities with eight faculties approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC).
Chiemeke said four of the faculties were domiciled at the main campus in Agbor, while two each were domiciled at Owa-Oyibu and Owa-Alero campuses in Ika North-East Local Government Area of the state.
According to her, the Faculty of Arts has eight programmes, Faculty of Computing offers four programmes, the Faculty of Education mounts 22 programmes, and the Faculties of Engineering, Environmental Sciences and Science have six, five and 12 programmes, respectively.
She noted that the Faculty of Management and Social Sciences had 12 programmes, and that the Faculty of Law had only one programme.
While paying tributes to Governor Okowa for floating the three state-owned universities simultaneously, Chiemeke said the institution offered admission to 5,219 students into various academic programmes for 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 academic sessions.
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Lucky Irabor, delivered a lecture titled “National Growth And Development: Building A Robust Partnership Between The Military And The Ivory Tower For A Better Nigeria”.
Irabor said national growth and development were the aspirations of every nation.
He noted that most nations utilised the instruments of state such as the armed forces and educational sectors in achieving such objectives.
He said in Nigeria, the Armed Forces provided the enabling security environment in line with its role as stipulated in the 1999 constitution.
He disclosed that educational institutions across the country had also made remarkable contributions to national growth and development by empowering people with adequate knowledge, requisite skills and values.
According to the CDS, Nigeria can attain higher national growth and development if the military and the academia work more closely together in a collaborative partnership to harness the immense capacity of both institutions.
The Tide’s source reports that Governor Okowa also inaugurated the new Ika South Local Government Council Legislative Building and the LadyOak Cancer Care Centre built at the Central Hospital Agbor.
The Otakeme Community of Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State have elected the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of a firm, “Renew Empire Nigeria”, Engr. Gospel Obolo as its new paramount ruler.
The Tide learnt that the election was conducted after 55 years of interregnum over the stool.
Otakeme is the closest neighbouring community to Otabagi, host community of the Oloibiri Oil wells where oil and gas were first struck in commercial quantity in West Africa.
Speaking with Journalists shortly after a close door meeting with community stakeholders midweek, the monarch-elect promised to lead a consultative reign.
He, however, expressed regrets that the community which boasts of an array of intellectuals and major elites across boards had remained without a monarch for so long, and promised to partner indigenes of all walks of life from the community in the discharge of the duties of his royal office.
While pleading with stakeholders and community elites to consolidate on the existing peace in the community, he added that already he has initiated a consultation tour of major cities and towns across the country to meet with indigene of the community in the diaspora.
“It’s sad that our community, Otakeme, has been without a king for 55 years. Otakeme is supposed to be one of the communities in Ogbia that others should emulate in terms of communal living, but regrettably we’ve lost a lot due to disunity which resulted in the absence of a paramount ruler for this long number of years.
“We’ve begun a diaspora consultation with stakeholders to solidify our unity and continue on the path of development. There is a lot to do for our people, and I want to assure everyone from the community that we’ll work together to develop Otakeme community”, he said.
Meanwhile, the monarch-elect has called on youths of the community to maintain peace and tranquility, saying his emergence signals a new era of innovation, peace, development and unity in the ancient community.
By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has honoured 78 members of staff with Long Service Awards in recognition of their dedication, loyalty and invaluable contributions to the growth of the intervention agency and the development of the Niger Delta region.
Speaking at the award ceremony held at the Commission’s headquarters in Port Harcourt, the Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, said staff welfare remains a central priority of the Board and Management, describing employees as the institutional memory and driving force of the Commission.
Represented by the Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Alabo Boma Iyaye, Ogbuku congratulated the recipients for their years of meritorious service and commended them for their commitment, which, he said, had contributed significantly to the Commission’s achievements over the years.
He noted that the awards were not only a celebration of longevity in service, but also a recognition of the dedication, professionalism and mentorship demonstrated by the recipients in helping to strengthen the Commission.
“The awardees have devoted decades of their lives to the NDDC, mentoring younger colleagues and playing vital roles in addressing the challenges confronting the Commission.
“Today, we celebrate your dedication, loyalty and commitment to service”, he said.
Ogbuku added: “We are proud of your achievements and grateful for your immense contributions. Each of you has helped shape our processes and our success story. We thank you for investing your talents and time in advancing the sustainable development of the Niger Delta.”
Also speaking, the Director of Administration and Human Resources, Sir Kelechi Nwelue, praised the award recipients for serving the Commission and the Niger Delta with distinction, noting that the recognition reflected years of exemplary service, unwavering commitment and professional excellence.
Responding on behalf of the honourees, the Director of Education, Health and Social Services, Dr. Awele Chukwudifu, expressed appreciation to the Executive Management for the recognition, describing the award as a source of motivation and encouragement.
She said the honour would inspire staff to remain committed to the Commission’s mandate of driving sustainable development across the Niger Delta region while sustaining excellence in service delivery.
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Former Bayelsa State Governor and Senator representing Bayelsa West, Seriake Dickson, has said he his committed to defending Nigeria’s multi-party democracy.
He said no amount of intimidation, political persecution or propaganda would deter him from pursuing what he described as the collective struggle to rescue the nation’s democratic values.
In a lengthy message of appreciation to his supporters, Dickson expressed gratitude to the people of Bayelsa West, Bayelsa State, the Ijaw Nation, and Nigerians at home and abroad for their steadfast support, solidarity and prayers throughout what he called his political journey to strengthen the country’s opposition.
The senator said for the past eight months he had remained away from home while focusing on building the National Democratic Congress (NDC), which he described as “the biggest national opposition party” in Nigeria.
He credited the party’s rapid growth to the commitment of its members, candidates and political partners, particularly the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
“I thank God Almighty for His grace and strength. I also thank our party officers at every level and Nigerians across political divides for their confidence, trust and unwavering support”, Dickson said.
He stated that Nigeria’s democracy must be protected, insisting that the survival of a vibrant multi-party system was essential to the country’s future.
According to him, ongoing legal battles and what he termed “contrived anti-democratic shenanigans” would ultimately fail, expressing confidence that the judiciary would uphold the rule of law and resist attempts to undermine democratic institutions.
The former governor also accused unnamed political figures whom he said he had helped to attain positions of authority of turning against him by allegedly weaponising state institutions, removing political opponents from office, victimising innocent citizens and spreading propaganda.
Despite what he described as nearly seven years of sustained persecution against him, his family and supporters, Dickson said the loyalty of his followers had remained unshaken.
He urged Nigerians, particularly young people, to embrace politics driven by ideas, conviction and principles rather than personal gain, appointments or what he called “stomach infrastructure.”
He said the enduring legacy he hoped to leave behind was a generation courageous enough to reject injustice, defend truth and demand accountability from leaders.
Dickson announced plans to return to Bayelsa in the coming weeks alongside the National Chairman of the NDC, Senator Moses Cleopas, to personally appreciate party members and supporters across the state.
He called on citizens to reject violence and intimidation, urging them instead to participate actively in peaceful democratic processes and protect the sanctity of their votes.
The senator warned that politicians who relied on intimidation, abuse of state institutions and violence would ultimately be rejected by the electorate.
Reflecting on his political career, Dickson said he had weathered nearly two decades of investigations, allegations, political conspiracies and intimidation, yet continued to emerge stronger.
He argued that despite governing Bayelsa during a period marked by severe economic recession, his administration recorded lasting achievements across critical sectors and laid a solid foundation for the state’s development.
“I have seen it all and survived it all. The God who has stood by me has not abandoned me. He remains on His throne, watching and judging the actions of all men”, he declared.
Dickson concluded by praying for God’s continued blessings upon the NDC, Bayelsa State and Nigeria, while expressing confidence that justice, democracy and the will of the people would ultimately prevail.