Niger Delta

Ex-IYC Spokesman Seeks Merit In Substantive PAP Coordinator’s Appointment

Published

10 months ago

February 2, 2024

Erstwhile Spokesman of the Ijaw Youth Council (Worldwide) and national leader of the Niger Delta Advocacy Group (the New Era Movement), Comrade. Ebilade Ekerefe, has charged President Bola Tinubu to appoint a substantive coordinator for the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) based on competence and not on ethnicity.
Ekerefe in a statement issued on Sunday in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State Capital, argued that rather than base the appointment of a substantive PAP Coordinator on tribal sentiments and alleged bribery of presidential aides, the appointment of the Coordinator should be based on competence, capacity and security interest of the region.
The statement reads in parts: “The current interim administrator, Maj.Gen Barry Ndiomu (rtd) is already doing a great job with clear show of competence and bringing his wealth of experience in repositioning PAP, and therefore should be encouraged and supported by stakeholders of the region.
“Despite the fact that it’s the prerogative of the President to appoint whoever he feels can help him drive his agenda in the Niger Delta region, such appointment should be based on competence and one that has delivered along the line upon which the amnesty programme was specifically designed”.
Ekerefe noted that the initiative of Maj-Gen Ndiomu (rtd) was already yielding the desired result.
“Most especially, the Presidential Amnesty Cooperative Society (PACOSOL), with the objective of helping delegates become self-reliant, own functional businesses, create sustainable wealth, become productive and plan for their future is well thought out.
“The payments of all outstanding debts of PAP and the reintroduction of the scholarship programme for 2024/2025 academic section is unimaginable, despite the poor budget funding.
“However, this is not excluding the relative peace enjoyed in the Niger delta region as a result of his constant engagement with stakeholders since his assumption.
“I join the rest of well-meaning Niger Delta stakeholders to appeal to President Tinubu not to listen to any alleged surreptitious move by those who see PAP as a cash cow and allow Maj.Gen Ndiomu (rtd) continue with his good works”, he said.

Ariwera Ibibo-Howells,
Yenagoa

Niger Delta

Navy Winning Oil Theft, Illegal Bunkering War – Commander

Published

2 days ago

December 4, 2024

The Tide

Commodore Martins Fakrogha, the Commander, Nigerian Navy Shipyard (NNS), Jubilee in Akwa Ibom, says the navy is winning the fight against crude oil theft and illegal bunkering in the state.

Fakrogha made the expression at the opening of a free medical outreach programme yesterday in Ikot Abasi.

He said the Navy was using both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches in the campaign against crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism and illegal bunkering.

The Commander said the Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, had directed personnel to do everything possible to tackle oil theft, illegal bunkering and vandalism.

“We are doing everything possible to win the hearts of the civil populace. We need them to be in synergy with us. We can partner through intelligence sharing.

“It is our collective duty to tackle crime so that we can all have a safe and secure environment.

“This free medical outreach is our own way of building confidence and aligning with the community around us”, he said.

Fakrogha continued that the outreach was also part of the navy’s corporate social responsibility to residents of the area.

He said residents of the community would be tested for malaria, HIV, blood-sugar and vision.

“They will also enjoy free consultancy services. This is our second free medical outreach for the year”, he said.

Also speaking, the Village Head, Ikot Essien, Ikpa Ibekwe Clan, Eteidung Ufot Nathaniel, commended the Navy for its series of kind gestures to the community.

Nathaniel urged the navy to seek ways providing potable water for the community, saying, “we are in need of safe water”.

One of the beneficiaries, Mr Unah Udoh thanked the navy for the outreach, describing it as well-intended.

Niger Delta

A’Ibom To Establish 31 Healthcare Centers

Published

2 days ago

December 4, 2024

The Tide

The Akwa Ibom State Government says next year would establish one modern healthcare centre each across the 31 Local Government Areas of the State to tackle health issues of the people across the state.

The State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, stated this during the 58th annual general meeting and scientific conference in Uyo .

The Governor, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenye, expressed the hope that the citizens would take advantage of the healthcare centres when faced with health challenges.

He urged the citizenry to understand that government will always take care of her citizens despite the economic challenges, and would not relent.

According to him, Government would do everything possible to provide necessary facilities, while also improving access to healthcare centres where pregnant women across the rural areas can access quality healthcare

The National President, Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria, Prof. Okechukwu Ikpeze, commended the government for the ideology to improve healthcare services in the state.

He said “the conference would provide great platforms and opportunities for members, partners, and other professional groups involved in women health to interact, share ideas, network and push the agenda to the highest level of healthcare for our women through their journey from childhood to reproductive years and beyond”.

He used the medium to inform members that SOGEN house has been upgraded with solar power installation that would provide 24hrs uninterrupted electricity supply.

This, he said , can enable them host workshops, training and other activities in SOGON house, “making us very much visible and better branded”.

The Chairman, local organizing committee, Prof. Emem Bassey, said they are thrilled to gather the best minds in obstetrics and gynecology to share knowledge, innovation and experience that would shape the future of women’s healthcare in Nigeria and beyond.

Christopher Tom, Uyo

Niger Delta

Edo Miners Congratulate Okpebholo, Seek Support For Industry

Published

2 days ago

December 4, 2024

The Tide

The Edo State Chapter of Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN) has congratulated Mr. Monday Okpebholo on his inauguration as the Governor of the state following his victory in the last governorship election.

The miners said the victory was an indication of the confidence the people of Edo have in his capacity to take the state to a greater height.

This is contained in a statement by Mr Mike Okhumode, Chairman and Mr Fatai Jimoh, Secretary of the association issued in Benin yesterday.

They appealed to the Governor to be magnanimous in victory by running an inclusive government for the purpose of developing the state.

While describing the Governor as a man of intellect and a performer judging from his previous records, the miners urged him to urgently consider the issue of double taxation and insecurity.

They said the double-edged sword was retrogressing businesses across Edo.

“We are fully aware of your antecedents in both public office and private capacities; we know that you will not fail to deliver on your campaign promises to the people of Edo state.

“Electioneering has come and gone, as you settle down to the business of developing the state, we urged you to be magnanimous in victory.

“This will be done by embracing all shades of opinions and suggestions aimed at developing our dear state”, they said.

The miners appealed to the people to support the new government to succeed in building a new Edo.