Rivers

MOSIEND Urges N’Delta Govs To Emulate Tinubu, Revamp Seaports

Published

3 years ago

September 29, 2023

Sequel to the establishment of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration, the Movement for the Survival of the Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND) has called on Governors of the Niger Delta extraction to replicate same Ministry in their States to increase wealth creation.
MOSIEND said the creation of the ministry in the region would enhance revenue generation and employment to the teeming youths.
National President, MOSIEND, Comrade Kennedy Tonjo West, stated this in a statement made available to newsmen in Port Harcourt.
“The establishment of Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy has opened the eyes of the people of the Niger Delta to know that our marine potentials have been poorly or inadequately harnessed and that this novel idea will boost the nation’s dwindling economy in the nearest future, if States, especially the Niger Delta, are able to think smart and explore it to their advantage.
“The Niger Delta region is richly blessed with untaped resources that can rapidly upscale revenue generation and economic growth, and we want the governors not to waste any time further.
“The opportunities in the marine and blue economy abound, hence, we should delve and explore, because across the globe, countries with littoral topography are consciously taking advantage of immense derivatives.
“This ministry at the centre is an open door to welcome yet another vista of boundless opportunities inherent in our region.
He insisted that the truth is, beyond oil and gas, Niger Delta communities are blessed, so in this harsh economic situation there is an urgent need for diversification and looking beyond oil and gas. The marine and blue economy is a promising outlook.
“What we really mean when we talk about diversification is that when people in the upland are talking about agriculture, we in the riverine should be talking about the maritime, as we call on Niger Delta governors to close ranks for the purpose of cohesion and regional growth to invest massively in the marine sector as this is the only way forward”, West said.
He noted that President Bola Tinubu’s approach looks promising to support any smart thinking region, and it is expedient for politicians and leaders of the Niger Delta to work together in achieving better results in the overall interest of the people of the region, especially now that there is a President who has good intentions for the region.
MOSIEND said creating the ministry at the state level is also a means through which the Federal Government can channel funds to develop the states through these ministries in the various Niger Delta states.
According to him, separating Marine from the Ministry of Transportation will make the states to focus on developing the potentials in the maritime domain and achieve great results.
“Go to Bayelsa and other Niger Delta states, they don’t have any activity to develop the maritime sector, and we need to now think outside the box to change the narratives; building the seaports and reviving the already existing ones are the only way forward.
“We are impressed with the appointment of our illustrious kinsmen and women into the federal cabinet, and we urge them to work with the Governors and Legislators to improve the infrastructures and well-being of the people.
“We, as MOSIEND, have, at several times, kicked against the continued concession of Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) in Rivers State to Dangote and other users.
“It is not a wise decision as it makes no economic sense in terms of Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), or employment opportunities when compared with when the Federal Government was managing it.
“NPA used to be a beehive of activities, generating huge revenue for government and creating employment for thousands of unemployed youths. But today, the reverse is the case.
“The concession of NPA to Dangote crippled the economy of Rivers State. Look at the place, it is underdeveloped. It has become a graveyard where nothing is happening.
“If you see the place now, you will cry, even the bay has become dilapidated. Why is Dubai thriving, Is it not because of the sea? So, why are we concentrating on only Lagos State? Why don’t we develop the other seaports to generate revenue for the states and create employment for the masses?”
Comrade West insisted that reviving NPA, Port Harcourt, Warri Port, Calabar seaport and building the Agge Deep Seaport in Bayelsa and the Akwa-Ibom seaport will change the narratives in the Niger Delta, especially now that the Federal Government is rehabilitating Nigerian refineries to help the economy bounce back.
The Public, Privately Partnership (PPP) will be a best approach to reviving the seaports in order not to waste any more time, he declared.

By: Chinedu Wosu

Rivers

2026 Boy Child Day: Association Seeks Intentional Mentoring

Published

1 day ago

May 18, 2026

The Tide

As the world marked the 2026 International Day of the Boy Child last Saturday, the Rivers Secondary Schools Old Boys and Girls 1983 Set Association has called for deliberate investment in raising boys who will become responsible heads of homes.

In a press release signed and issued by the Secretary-General of the Association, Dr. Ibinabo Ogolo, to commemorate the day, the Association said the future stability of Nigerian families depends on how intentionally boys are raised and guided.

Speaking on behalf of the Set, President of the Association, Barrister Tubokomba Mcdonald Harry, she said the theme of this year’s global celebration, “Boys to Men: Adopting Good Habits and Attitudes”, must move beyond slogans to daily practice in homes, schools, and communities.

“For years, advocacy has rightly centered on the girl child. That work must continue. But we cannot ignore the other side”, Barrister Harry stated.

“A boy who grows up without guidance, emotional literacy, and responsibility often becomes a man who struggles to lead, provide, and protect. If we want stable homes in 2040, we must invest in boys now”, he said.

He emphasized that being “head of the home” is about stewardship, not power: “The man who leads a home well is emotionally responsible, financially disciplined, morally upright, and a true partner to his spouse. These qualities are learned from childhood, through what boys see, hear, and practice.”

The Association noted that many boys currently learn manhood by default from peers, social media, and entertainment that equate masculinity with aggression and silence about pain.

To change this, the 1983 Set urged fathers and mentors to be present and active, schools to integrate life skills such as conflict resolution and financial literacy, and communities and faith groups to establish mentorship programmes where older men guide younger ones.

The press release also linked the issue to Africa’s wider goals, noting that the 2026 Day of the African Child focuses on water, sanitation, and hygiene.

“A boy trained to solve real problems becomes a man who ensures dignity for his family and community”, Harry said.

The Association concluded with a call to mothers, fathers, and boys themselves to take ownership of the task of raising responsible future leaders.

International Day of the Boy Child is observed globally on May 16. It is a day that focuses on the well-being, mental health and positive development of boys.

Rivers

Ogoni Landlords Seek Inclusion In Planned Oil Resumption Process

Published

1 day ago

May 18, 2026

The Tide

Flemotongha Miebi/Fortune Wokeh/Akpos David/Esuuk Oyet/Edughom Suotor

Landlords in Ogoni, under the aegis of Gokana,Tai, Eleme, and Khana United Landlords Association (GOTEKA) have called for inclusion in the ongoing negotiation over the planned resumption of oil production in Ogoniland.

The landlords,who made the call during its formal inauguration recently in Port Harcourt, also called for proper compensation, clear legal agreements, and inclusive dialogues in the entire process

Chairman of the Association, Professor George Ema, said any resumption of oil exploration in ogoniland without proper consultation with host communities and land owners will be resisted.

George said, while the association expressed support for the planned return of oil activities in ogoniland under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, key historical issues must be addressed to avoid a repeat of earlier conflicts that led to the suspension of oil operations in the area.

According to GOTEKA, past disagreements between oil companies, political leaders, and host communities caused crises, court cases, and long-term disruption of oil production in Ogoni land, adding that these problems were responsible for the high level of poverty warranted by economic stagnation, social unrest, pipeline vandalism, and many legal battles in the area.

The landlords also referenced the struggles led by late environmental activist, Ken Saro-Wiwa, and the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP), which opposed Shell’s activities in Ogoni land, resulting in years of unrest and court cases.

They stressed that the renewed plan for oil exploration must be guided by proper Memoranda of Understanding (MOU), fair compensation, and the direct involvement of landlords in negotiations to prevent cheating and conflict.

The group also raised concern over what they described as a repeated “divide and rule” approach in handling oil compensation in Ogoni. They said there is a lack of proper MOUs between oil companies and landlords, while compensation often goes to political leaders and traditional rulers instead of the real landowners.

GOTEKA added that land in Ogoni is owned by individuals and families, not the entire community.

According to the group, “under traditional land rules, owners have full rights over their land and can decide how it is used, including selling or leasing it. So, there must be proper agreement spelt out in the MOU, which must be signed by all the parties involved to avoid legal battles.

The group urged government, oil companies, and political leaders to respect traditional land ownership and adopt honest dialogue and peaceful negotiation in resolving issues.

Rivers

Police Warn Rivers Students Against Cultism, Drug Abuse

Published

1 day ago

May 18, 2026

The Tide

The Divisional Crime Officer (DCO) of Rumuodomaya Police Station, CSP Dindara Dadamu, has warned students in Rivers State against involvement in cultism and other criminal activities, stressing that such acts could lead to imprisonment and destruction of their future.

He gave the warning recently during an anti-cultism and drug abuse sensitisation programme organised by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) at Den-Bec Group of Schools in Port Harcourt.

Dadamu stated that the law does not exempt minors from punishment, noting that children from the age of 12 could still be prosecuted for criminal offences.

According to him, many young people are lured into cultism through peer pressure and bad company. He urged the students to be mindful of the friends they associate with.

The DCO stressed that ignorance of the law would not protect anyone from facing the consequences of unlawful conduct.

Also speaking, a representative of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mr. Ejiofor Ifeanyi, described cultism and drug abuse as destructive habits capable of ruining academic ambitions and promising careers.

He advised the students to avoid negative influences and remain focused on their education and personal development.

A mental health expert, Mr. Victor Akeni, noted that cultism and illicit drug use contribute significantly to emotional instability, fear and poor academic performance among youths.

He explained that cult members often live under constant fear of attacks and reprisals, making it difficult for them to concentrate on their studies or live peacefully.

The sensitisation programme brought together security agencies, mental health professionals, teachers and students as part of efforts to discourage social vices among young people.

The Managing Director of NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, who spoke through a representative, Mrs. Anna West, encouraged the students to take advantage of opportunities provided through education and technology rather than engaging in unlawful activities.

Ogbuku also warned that cultism and drug abuse could result in imprisonment, violence and untimely death, and urged the students to embrace discipline, hard work and positive values.

By: King Onunwor