Niger Delta
Gov’s Aide Urges N’Delta Govs To Integrate Tourism In Development
Facilitator of the South-South Tourism Roundtable, Dr Piroye Kiyaramo, on Monday urged governors of the Niger Delta region to factor in the tourism sector in their development blueprints.
Kiyaramo made the call when the Chairman of Akwa Ibom Tourism and Hospitality Practitioners’ Association (AKTHOPA) and Managing Director of Legacy Tourism Services Uyo, Mr. Usen Udoh, visited him in his office in Yenagoa.
Kiyaramo, a renowned tourism practitioner, observed that sustainable tourism practice had proven to be veritable tool for socio-economic development.
According to Kiyaramo, who is also the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State on Tourism, mainstreaming of the tourism sector in their development agenda will go a long way in creating jobs and wealth at the rural areas in line with global best practices.
He explained that communities around the world, had benefitted immensely from tourism.
While advocating for the urgent need to give tourism due attention, he said tourism, as the driver of socio-economic growth and development, would create a level playing field for investors in the sector.
The SSA added that tourism could be a positive force that would bring economic, social and environmental benefits to the oil rich south south geographical zone.
The governor’s aide further explained that prioritising tourism in the development blueprints of the state governors in the region would propel the states to pay attention to the untapped potentials, particularly the maritime economy corridors.
He said tourism accounted for an estimated 26 per cent of ocean-based economic activities, making it a key driver of the blue economy by enhancing the value of marine conservation, increased revenue, job opportunities and investments.
He said this was contributing positively to rural development, protection of cultural heritage and conservation of the natural habitats.
Earlier, Udoh said the visit to the governor’s aide was to interface with him on critical issues regarding the holistic development of tourism and hospitality sector across South-South region.
Udoh highlighted the importance of connecting the Niger Delta region through tourism activities and research with a view to promoting the region as an economic bloc in line with global best practices.
He said Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State was already taking steps to meanstream the tourism and hospitality sector in his “Arise Development Agenda”, incorporating pro-poor tourism initiatives to create wealth at the grassroots.
He noted that the region, being so rich in ecological tourism potentials, made the area an ideal destination for eco-tourism.
He reiterated that nature-based tourism, which was in high demand, would not only increase the value placed on the unspoiled nature and wildlife, but would also generate funds for conservation of the rich biodiversity.
“Tourism is often an innovator of sustainable consumption and production in promoting climate change awareness.
“Tourism can protect or revive intangible cultural heritage, music, performing arts, and oral traditions.
“It offers great opportunities for emerging economies and developing countries.
“Tourism creates jobs, strengthens the local economy, contributes to local infrastructure development and helps to conserve the natural environment, cultural assets and traditions, and reduces poverty and inequality.
“This can be achieved if local people are able to benefit from the income opportunities arising from tourism,” Udoh said.
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.