Niger Delta

VC Advocates ‘Compass Concept’ Curriculum For Nigerian Schools

Published

2 years ago

September 6, 2023

Vice Chancellor of the premier Bayelsa State Government-own university, the Niger Delta University (NDU), Prof. Allen Agih, has advocated for greater attention to what he described as the “compass concept of learning” in the nation’s educational curriculum.
The academic made the advocacy on Sunday while delivering a public lecture entitled, “Compass of Human Development in the 21st century politics and Governance: A conversation conundrum”, held as part of activities to commemorate the 40th birth anniversary of former Special Assistant to the Managing Director/CEO, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Chief Alabh George Turnah, in Yenagoa, the State Capital.
The Tide learnt that Turnah is currently an Executive Assistant to the Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri.
According to Agih, compass is a device which determines Cardinal direction, hence the compass of human development in the 21st century does with tools or the devices employed to enable humans attain expected advancement in a more productive and sustainable manner.
The NDU Vice Chancellor, who posited that such tools for human advancement have been available from time immemorial, also noted that these devices were inherent in man from creation.
He, however, noted that these tools have been re-discovered by the United Nations as the most potent instruments for the advancement of humans and the society, respectively.
“Unfortunately, our current education system doesn’t pay sufficient attention to the development of the compass attributes in the pupils and students while in school.
“This lecture is, therefore, intended to re-unveil these tools that have been in existence but haven’t been sufficiently utilised over the years, especially in the developing countries.
“The objective of this lecture would’ve been achieved if political and community leaders, leaders of corporate organizations, institutional leaders, individuals and groups, especially the youths, are able to identify and apply more of the doctrine of the compass of human development as re-discovered and made public by the United Nations, which is believed to have more prospects and potentials for sustainable development of societies globally”, he said.
Speaking on “Politics and Governance”, the Vice Chancellor described politics as having concern with the set of activities which were associated with making decisions in groups, or other forms of power relations amongst individuals, including the distribution of resources and statuses.
“Political Governance is the process of decision-making to formulate policy. Administrative Governance is the system of policy implementation, encompassing all three; politics, good governance and administration. It’s concerned mostly with the processes and structures that guide political and socioeconomic relationships”, Agih added.
Meanwhile, First lady of Bayelsa State, Dr. Gloria Diri, has described the celebrant, George Turnah, as an industrious and trustworthy fellow.
She commended Turnah on his achievements at 40, noting also that because the celebrant has washed his hands clean, he was now dining with kings,
She advised youths of the state to emulate the life-style of the celebrant and desist from thuggery, as well as any other form of violence before, during and after the November 11th 2023 Governorship polls in the state.
Earlier, speaking with newsmen, the celebrant advised youths to be focused and hardworking, noting that that he is being celebrated today was because he worked hard and prepared himself to make judicious use of opportunities available for the betterment of self and society in general.
He acknowledged the hand of God in his entire developmental stages in life, cautioning youths against social vices.
In the same vein, the Secretary-General, Ogbia Brotherhood (Worldwide), the parent socio-cultural organisation of Ogbia kingdom, Dr. Godswill Iboroma Ikuli, described the celebrant as a worthy ambassador of the kingdom.
Ikuli, who commended Turnah for his good works in and outside the kingdom, also express the profound gratitude of the Ogbia people to the former NDDC MD’s aide.
He noted that at 40 Turnah has shown greater capacity towards making the much needed unity in the kingdom even stronger in his activities, saying he has impacted lives of youths of the kingdom positively.
Highpoints of the event, which had earlier began with a Golf tournament at the Henry Seriake Dickson Golf club (HSDGC), Yenagoa, also included a thanksgiving service, as well as goodwill messages from friends, political associates and family members.
There was also presentation of certificate of recognition to the celebrant by the executives of the “Ogbia brotherhood youth council’ (Worldwide) affirming the celebrant as number one youth leader of the Ogbia kingdom.

By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells,
Yenagoa

Niger Delta

NPC Unveils Digital Registration System In Delta

Published

23 hours ago

February 23, 2026

The Tide

The National Population Commission (NPC), on Friday, launched the Electronic Civil Registration and Vital Statistics System (eCRVS) in Delta State, designed to strengthen data generation and vital statistics management.

The Tide’s source reports that the system was launched by the Delta Federal Commissioner, Mrs. Blessyn Brume-Ataguba, at a news briefing in Asaba.

Brume-Ataguba recalled that President Bola Tinubu formally launched the eCRVS in November 2023 as part of the efforts to modernise Nigeria’s civil registration process.

She said the initiative followed resolutions reached at the Sixth Session of the Conference of African Ministers Responsible for Civil Registration and Vital Statistics in Addis Ababa in 2022.

According to her, African ministers urged member states to automate civil registration processes and implement the UN Legal Identity Agenda.

“Nigeria responded by developing an electronic, technology-driven system to enhance data generation and improve civil statistics nationwide,” Brume-Ataguba said.

She said NPC, in collaboration with UNICEF, produced an eCRVS Operational Readiness Assessment Report to guide implementation.

She explained that the partnership aims to establish a fully digital civil registration system that converts records of vital events into reliable statistics for effective planning and decision-making.

Brume-Ataguba described the initiative as a complete shift from paper-based documentation to a modern digital platform aligned with international best practices.

She said the system would transform the way births and deaths were recorded, tracked and analysed across the country.

“This process marks a complete departure from the traditional paper-based recording of vital events to a state-of-the-art digital solution that conforms to international best practices.

“This eCRVS promises to revolutionise how vital events are recorded, tracked and analysed in the country.

“This will ensure commitments, and a sustained national, international financial and political investment for birth registration within the CVRS in Nigeria, ” Brume-Ataguba said.

She also said the launch demonstrated the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening civil registration data capture and processing.

She further said improved vital statistics would support national development planning and help Nigeria achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

Brume-Ataguba continued that the state-level launch was necessary to sensitise the media and the public on the significance of the digital registration system.

She described the media as a vital partner in informing and educating citizens about the importance of registering vital events electronically.

She further assured residents that competent ICT personnel were available at the state level to address technical challenges and provide support.

The NPC commissioner emphasised that the eCRVS would overhaul the registration of births and deaths in the country and lay a solid foundation for efficient civil statistics management.

She urged stakeholders to collaborate with the commission to realise its goal of providing accurate and timely vital registration data.

She announced that the current phase of the e-CRVS programme would be concluded in March.

In her remark, the NPC State Director, Mrs. Jane Odigwe, appealed to the Delta Government to support the implementation of the system in the state.

“Your partnership is vital in helping us to reach this goal,” Odigwe said.

She also urged parents to register their children, saying that a birth certificate is essential for access to education, healthcare and other opportunities.

She said that registering children today would secure their identity and future participation in Nigeria’s development.

“To every parent in Delta, I urge you to bring your children forward for birth registration.

“A birth certificate is not just a document but your child’s key to education, healthcare and global opportunities.

“By registering your child today, you are giving them a voice in Nigeria of tomorrow,” Odigwe said.

Niger Delta

Police Uncover Suspects’ Armoury … Recover Weapons In Delta

Published

23 hours ago

February 23, 2026

The Tide

The Police Command in Delta State has recovered assorted weapons from a criminal hideout in the state.

Spokesman for the Command, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this to newsmen, who on Friday in Warri, said the weapons were recovered on Thursday by the operatives of the Command’s Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), led by ASP Julius Robinson.

He said the feat was achieved following a confession by a suspect handed over to the police team by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Orerokpe Division, for further interrogation.

Edafe said the suspect was alleged to be a member of a criminal syndicate terrorising commuters and residents on the Warri/Sapele Road.

“On February 19, acting on information obtained during interrogation, the suspect led the operatives to a concealed armoury located on the Sapele/Warri Road by the Adheje Community axis.

“A thorough search of the hideout resulted in the recovery of a locally made long gun, a locally made cut-to-size gun.

“Also recovered were a fabricated Beretta pistol loaded with five rounds of live ammunition, 10 live cartridges and a dagger,” he said.

Edafe stated that the investigation into the matter was ongoing.

He, however, quoted the Commissioner of Police in charge of the Command, Mr. Aina Adesola, to have reiterated the command’s resolve in dismantling criminal networks, and mopping up illegal firearms, among others, in the state.

Niger Delta

Police Caution On Lawless Protests On Court Matters In A’Ibom

Published

23 hours ago

February 23, 2026

The Tide

The Police Command in Akwa Ibom State has cautioned on threats of lawless protests by some members of the public over matters that are already before the courts.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Azare, told newsmen in Uyo on Friday that illegal protests could undermine public peace and order.

“When matters are already in court, let’s follow legal and civil means to seek redress. That is how a civilised society works.

“Although we recognise the constitutional rights of citizens to lawful expression and peaceful assembly, illegal protests are not allowed,” he said.

Azare said the Command would not tolerate threats or acts of nude protests, unlawful occupation of public or private facilities, and disruption of government, economic or social activities.

He said anyone found culpable of engaging in acts or threats of illegal protests would be prosecuted in line with the law.

“As a Command, we are committed to the maintenance of law and order, we are also committed to protecting lives and property”, he stated.