Niger Delta

Diri To Complete Yenagoa-Oporoma-Ukubie Road Project

Published

2 years ago

October 18, 2023

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has said by next year when the Yenagoa-Oporoma-Ukubie Road is completed, the people of Southern Ijaw will drive cars to their local government headquarters, Oporoma, for the first time.
He stated this, last Thursday, at Ekowe Community when he paid courtesy visit on the Ibenanawei of Bomo Clan, King Joshua Igbugburu, and other paramount rulers of the kingdom who gathered at the palace.
He also said his administration would award the contract for the construction of the next phase of the project from Aguobiri to Eniwari community.
“For us, Bomo Clan is our home because this is not the first time we are coming for your royal blessings. You have been very kind to us. We came to receive your blessings as usual. You are one king who has held on to God firmly and we want to continue to wish you a successful reign.
“In almost four years of our administration, we have embarked on projects that touch lives, particularly the Yenagoa-Oporoma-Ukubie road, which everyone is happy about. We needed to fast-track development of the state.
“When you give me your mandate for a second term, by next year we will drive to Oporoma because that is the target given to us. Thereafter, we will also award the next phase of the project from Aguobiri to Eniwari community”, he said.
The Governor said his passion for providing road infrastructure was borne out of the need to accelerate the pace of development of the state, particularly in the rural areas and improve the living standards of the people.
At the palace, Diri offered scholarship to Princess Diseye Tombie to university level after the young girl did a beautiful presentation on the Yenagoa-Oporoma-Ukubie Road and other projects of the Prosperity Administration.
In his remarks, spokesman of the Bomo Council of Chiefs, Dr Sample Koko, commended the Governor for his developmental strides and assured him and his Deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, of victory in the November 11 polls.
Governor Diri and his Deputy received royal blessings from King Igbugburu, just as they were each presented a copy of the Bible.
Diri also laid the foundation of a new palace for the monarch.
Addressing a mammoth crowd at the campaign rally ground, the state’s helmsman expressed gratitude to the people for the warm reception accorded him and his entourage.
He disclosed that as part of the constituency’s projects for Ekowe, a 500KVA generator set was provided to light up the community.
“We are interested in your development and we have demonstrated that through our legacy projects and programmes.
“During last year’s flood, we came here to sympathise with you and gave you support to alleviate your plight. But members of the opposition that are campaigning now, did you see them here?
“For five years that Timipre Sylva was Governor of this state and his four years as Minister of State for Petroleum, did he think about you or the Central Senatorial Road?
“Instead he was in his comfort zone while we were there for you. So we expect you to reciprocate our gesture by giving us your mandate for another term”, he said.
Also, Director General of the Bayelsa PDP Governorship Campaign Council, Hon. Mitema Obordor, urged the people to support the Diri and Ewhrudjakpo ticket because the Governor has introduced a new political order that brought about peace, unity and development in the state.
Addressing chiefs, elders, women and youths of Igbomotoru Federated Communities 1 and 2, Diri said he had directed that solar lights be installed in the communities.
He further stated that the community’s town hall accommodating flood victims be completed before the end of this month and that work on the approved concrete roads would commence soon.
Former House of Representatives member for Southern Ijaw Federal Constituency, Henry Ofongo, Technical Adviser to the Governor on Local Government, Nigeria Kia, and the Bayelsa Central PDP Vice Chairman, Wisdom Nathan, said the community had always supported PDP and it will be the same on November 11.
At Peremabiri, Diri stressed the need for the people to work with government to promote peace and good governance.
The campaign trail also visited Opuama and Eniwari Communities.

By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells,
Yenagoa

Niger Delta

Nembe Renders Development Scorecard … Defers King Koko’s Annual Festival

Published

19 hours ago

February 9, 2026

The Tide

The Nembe-Ogbolomabiri Council of Chiefs in the Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State have disclosed its developmental scorecard in the outgone year.

Speaking with Journalists who visited the kingdom during the week, Alternate Chairman of the Council, Alabo Moses Ayebaereworio Solomon-Ockiya said the urban town and her satelite communities were experiencing an unprecedented trajectory of development.

He noted that the kingdom was judiciously deploying funds accruing from the Host Community Development Trust Fund (HCDTF) for rapid infrastructural and human capital development.

The Tide learnt that the HCDTF is one of the many creations of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) which aims at executing developmental projects in host communities of oil and gas firms and facilities.

According to the kingdom, with the funds, delapidated internal roads were being reconstructed, while also overhauling other existing infrastructure and opening up of new roads for pavement to ease traffic in Nembe City, its major urban town.

The Alternate Chairman also bared his mind on the working relationship between an oil firm, Aiteo, which operates in the kingdom and the Nembe people, describing it as cordial.

He noted that the kingdom and the company were partners in progress, stating also that the firm has changed its operational name to Nembe E&P, describing the new nomenclature as more beneficial to the kingdom.

“Our Monarch, His Eminence, King (Dr.) Edmund Maduabebe Daukoru (Mingi XII), told some visitors who came to our kingdom recently that in the next five-six months when they’ll come back that they won’t recognize this town again. Today you can hardly recognize some old parts of this city due to the massive construction and reconstruction which is taking place.

“We’ve constructed between 5-10 kilometers of new roads in this town in the last couple of months. We’ve opened about 10 new roads waiting for construction. We’ve a visionary monarch who believes in the peace and development of his kingdom.

“This kingdom is so organized that we’ve the Council of Chiefs, the elders council, the youths, CDC and women wing. So there is peace, tolerance and harmony in the kingdom”, the Alternate Chairman said.

In another development, the Council of Chiefs has shifted this year’s celebration of the annual King Fredrick Koko’s day to February.

The Tide reports that the annual event usually takes place 29th January.

The Council said the reason for the deferment was because it coincided with the obsequious ceremonies of the late State Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.

The kingdom noted that the new dates for the celebration this year would now be February 11th, 12th and 15th, 2026.

“The burial of the late Deputy Governor of the State concided with the King Koko’s day. As a responsible kingdom, which honours those in authority, we decided to shift the celebration to 11th, 12th and 15th of February 2026.

“The reason for shifting it to February is because the King Koko-led Nembe-British war lasted up to the new dates it has been slated”, Alabo Solomon-Ockiya added.

By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa

Niger Delta

Oborevwori Celebrates Wife At 56

Published

19 hours ago

February 9, 2026

The Tide

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has extended heartfelt congratulations to his wife, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, as she marks her 56th birth anniversary.

In a statement issued on Thursday by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, the Governor expressed deep appreciation for the steadfast support and encouragement of his wife over the years, noting that her unwavering commitment and prayers played a significant role in their journey to becoming Delta State’s First Family.

He described Deaconess Tobore as a devout and compassionate mother whose impact on society has been profound, particularly through her constant prayers and moral support for the state and their family.

The Governor also commended her humanitarian efforts through her pet initiative, the “You Matter Charity Foundation”, which he said has continued to touch lives, with special attention to vulnerable members of the society, widows and elderly, including children living with autism.

Oborevwori said: “On behalf of our family, as well as the government and people of Delta State, I warmly felicitate my dear wife, Her Excellency, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, on the joyful occasion of her 56th birthday.

“She has remained a shining example of dedication, compassion, and godly values, not only to our children, but to the entire state.

“As she celebrates this milestone, it is my earnest prayer, and that of our children, that God will continually endow her with strength, wisdom, and clarity of purpose as she carries out the demanding responsibilities of the Office of the First Lady of Delta State.”

He further expressed his personal admiration for his wife, describing her as a source of daily joy and inspiration.

“You make every day a pleasure with your self-effacing mien, cheerful disposition, love for God, devotion to family, disciplined work ethic, and unwavering service to humanity. I celebrate you today and always. Happy birthday, my love and best friend”, he said.

By: Albert Ograka, Asaba

Niger Delta

NDDC Restates Commitment To Support Security Agencies In N’Delta

Published

19 hours ago

February 9, 2026

The Tide

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has restated its commitment to supporting security agencies in the Niger Delta, describing peace and stability as the foundation for sustainable development in the region.

Managing Director of the Commission, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, said the NDDC’s collaboration with security agencies is driven by the understanding that development cannot flourish in an atmosphere of insecurity, just as underdevelopment often fuels conflict and unrest.

Speaking during a courtesy visit by the Flag Officer Commanding, Central Naval Command, Rear Admiral Suleiman Ibrahim, at the Commission’s headquarters in Port Harcourt, Ogbuku noted that the NDDC had deliberately built strong partnerships with security institutions to protect critical national assets and create an enabling environment for economic growth.

According to him, the Commission’s support for security agencies aligns with the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure peace and security across the country, stressing that the relative calm currently enjoyed in the Niger Delta is the result of sustained security interventions.

Ogbuku explained that security is a collective responsibility involving host communities, government and development institutions, adding that the NDDC would continue to provide strategic support to the Nigerian Navy and other agencies to enhance their operational effectiveness.

He assured the Naval Command of the Commission’s readiness to deepen engagement, maintain open channels of communication and undertake field visits to better understand the operational challenges faced by security agencies.

Earlier, Rear Admiral Ibrahim commended the NDDC for its visible development projects across the Niger Delta, noting that the Commission’s interventions had positively impacted communities and security formations in the region.

He said the Navy’s efforts to safeguard oil exploration, production and transportation, including the recently launched Operation Sentinel, would require sustained collaboration, particularly as Nigeria targets increased crude oil production in the coming years.

The Naval Commander urged the NDDC to sustain and expand its support, noting that improved security would translate into higher oil output, increased revenue, and accelerated development for the Niger Delta and the country at large.