Niger Delta

The Day Rivers Players Shone Brightest In Chess Open Championship

Published

2 years ago

May 27, 2024

Precisely from 20th – 24th April 2024 the attention of Nigeria Chess Federation ( NCF) was drawn to Port Harcourt the Garden City of Nigeria as it played host to the third edition of Naphtali Open Chess Tournament,

The five days competition was organised by Naphtali Chess Club, held at Vee Hotel, Trans Amadi ,in Port Harcourt and over 80 players in Nigeria had the opportunity to vie for honours, prizes and to showcase their talents in the tournament.

The championship was sponsored by Naphtali Physiotherapy and Wellness Clinic Ltd, and recognised by International Chess Federation (FIDE) with the view to rank chess players in the country.

The Championship was witnessed by huge crowd including notable chess players in the country, people from all walks of life, relatives and friends of the competitors.

The edition had an electrifying start as only eighteen (18) players emerged with a perfect score of 2/2 after the first two rounds, with only four players trailing by half a point.

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Categories that participated in the tournament were; Male, Female, Veteran and Teenage; all these have their different trophies and prizes at stake.

The atmosphere of the venue was captivated with excitement and can be compared to a Brazilian carnival as various fanfare took the stage while the tournament was on.

It was a keenly contested tournament because every player wants to make name for him/herself, most especially those competing for ranking.

There was absolute tranquility and concentrations in the midst of the fanfare as the competition was going on because chess required such serene environment.

One of the matches that drew much attention was between 16-year-old Ferdinand Tersee Nyiuma and seasoned player CM Omorere Benjamin. . The match saw a bold facing Tersee a resolute response from Benjamin .The game was breathtaking as both shared first position.

It was a clash of the titans between Rivers born Koko Obubele and IIouno Ikenna, both players displayed what could be described as top notch Chess artistry, showcasing skills and experience that saw Obubele , who eventually triumphed dubbed the “king of double knights’.

This win earned Obubele the coveted trophy even as both finished tops in the tournament.

It was another exciting and notable encounter between Emmanuel Idara and Dr. Onyekwere Donald, South-East representative of NCF Board. Despite Idara’s status as the top seed, Donald’s steadfast defense and calculated play denied his opponent a place at the summit.

In the female category Rivers State born Queen Dan-Jumbo, made an impressive performance as she emerged the best female player in the Open Championship.

Also special recognition was given to veteran participants, Dr. Apollos Akomaka also from Rivers and veteran female player Amadasun Rosemary, as they received the best veteran prizes.

It is worthy of note that Rivers State currently has the best chess players in Nigeria, following track records both in National Sports Festivals and National Competitions but it is worrisome that the game is not getting the desired attention as other Sports.

Consequently, the acting Chairman of Chess Association in the State, Dr. Appollos Akomaka has appealed to the Commissioner of Education in the State to make it mandatory for Chess to be included extracurricular activities of schools at all levels.

According to him, this will help to develop and promote the game at the grassroots level.

” Chess was a very easy game to play both the rich and poor can play but it requires commitment and determination to get to the peak. I personally started playing Chess as a teenager, it is good to start early.

“Honestly I am excited that I participated in the Open Chess Championship, and am also happy that I won the veteran category of the event”,Akomaka said.

Speaking shortly after the event the winner of the male category, Koko Obubele, said the victory did not come easily and noted that it was a very difficult competition but thanked God he won.

” I am really happy that I emerged the champion in the male category because most of the best chess players in Nigeria participated.

” Right now I am looking forward to international competitions because I have the zeal and talent.But want I really need is sponsorship that is the only way for me to excel and make Nigeria , especially Rivers State proud” Obubele said.

Koko Obubele, is one of the best Chess players in Nigeria, he has won several State and national championships, including West African Universities Games, National Sports Festivals, Shell Chess Championship etc.

Also speaking winner of the best female player award in the tournament Queen Dan-Jumbo , also expressed joy over her victory saying that her dream was to become a Chess Grand Master worldwide.

” I am happy that I won this championship this will spur me to do more and make Rivers State proud.

Tonye Orabere

Niger Delta

Flood: NDDC Extends Lifeline To Ayakoro Community

Published

2 days ago

March 30, 2026

The Tide

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has distributed relief materials to residents of Ayakoro Community in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, following recurring flood incidents that have devastated livelihoods and displaced residents.

A statement signed and issued by the Director, Corporate Affairs of the NDDC, Seledi Thompson-Wakama, stated that the intervention, aimed at cushioning the impact of seasonal flooding, comes amid growing concerns over the loss of lives, farmlands and economic assets in the riverine community.

Representing the Managing Director of NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, at the event, the Director of Education, Health and Social Services, Dr. Patience Ezugu, said the initiative reflects the commission’s commitment to alleviating hardship and improving living conditions across the Niger Delta.

She noted that the donation of food items and essential household materials forms part of NDDC’s broader strategy to support vulnerable communities while advancing sustainable development in the region.

“As we distribute these materials to the people of Ayakoro, we reaffirm our resolve to empower communities and drive meaningful development across the Niger Delta”, she said.

Ogbuku, in a statement, reiterated that the commission’s mandate is rooted in addressing environmental degradation, pollution and other development challenges confronting the region.

He assured that NDDC would sustain interventions that deliver tangible benefits to affected communities.

In his remarks, the Acting Paramount Ruler of Ayakoro Kingdom, King Micah Itekesi, represented by a community leader, Pastor ThankGod Expenses, commended the commission for its timely response to the plight of flood victims.

Describing the intervention as unprecedented, he expressed gratitude to the NDDC leadership for the scale of assistance provided, noting that the support would go a long way in easing the suffering of residents.

He also assured that the relief materials would be distributed fairly among households in the community.

Speaking on the selection process, the programme consultant, Dr. Daniel George Smile, explained that Ayakoro was prioritised due to the severity of flood impact and the community’s fragile economic condition.

He added that assessments were ongoing in other affected areas for possible intervention.

The latest effort underscores NDDC’s continued focus on humanitarian support alongside its core infrastructure and development mandate in the Niger Delta.

Niger Delta

C’River Deploys Drones To Boost Rural Healthcare Access

Published

2 days ago

March 30, 2026

The Tide

The Commissioner for Health in Cross River State, Henry Ayuk, has said the deploent of drone technology has improved access to essential medicines in remote communities, strengthening healthcare delivery across previously underserved and hard-to-reach areas.

Speaking with The Tide’s source in Calabar, Ayuk said the government had leveraged drone technology to improve healthcare delivery and ensured equitable access statewide.

He explained that the innovation had expanded immunisation coverage and enabled efficient delivery of essential medicines and supplies to every nook and cranny of the state, including isolated and difficult terrains.

According to the Commissioner, the initiative, implemented in partnership with Zipline, is designed to serve more than 300 health facilities, especially those located in riverine and mountainous areas lacking reliable transportation access.

“The use of drones has significantly improved healthcare delivery in Cross River, enhancing efficiency and responsiveness in the distribution of medical supplies to health facilities across diverse and challenging terrains.

“Beyond faster deliveries to hard-to-reach areas, the system has reduced wastage and helped curb the circulation of counterfeit medicines, thereby strengthening the integrity and reliability of the state’s drug supply chain,” Ayuk stated.

He continued that the administration of Bassey Otu had also introduced far-reaching initiatives aimed at strengthening healthcare infrastructure, expanding access, and improving the overall quality of medical services across the state.

He highlighted ongoing upgrades and renovations of a out 100 Primary Healthcare centres across the state’s 18 local government areas, aimed at enhancing service delivery and improving access to basic healthcare services.

He added that the government had designated some health facilities to cater specifically to elderly persons, children, and pregnant women, ensuring vulnerable groups received focused and priority medical attention across the state.

According to him, several upgraded Primary Healthcare centres have been completed, while others are at advanced stages, reflecting steady progress in the government’s efforts to revitalise healthcare infrastructure and expand service coverage.

He noted that dedicated facilities for elderly persons above 65, children under five years, and pregnant women were already operational in three local government areas and would be replicated statewide.

On disease control, Ayuk said the government combined preventive and curative strategies, emphasising early detection, rapid response, and sustained public health interventions to minimise risks and effectively manage outbreaks across communities.

He emphasised that there had been a significant reduction in disease outbreaks due to increased focus on preventive measures, including public health education and awareness campaigns targeted at communities across the state.

He explained that authorities provided basic health education and maintained an effective surveillance system that ensured rapid response once cases were reported, helping to contain and mitigate the spread of diseases statewide.

Niger Delta

South-South APC Elects New Zonal Executive … Reaffirms Unity Ahead Of 2027

Published

2 days ago

March 30, 2026

The Tide

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in the South-South has elected a new Zonal Executive Committee, following a successful congress held on Wednesday in Asaba, the Delta State capital.

The congress, which drew top party leaders, including the Senate President, Governors, lawmakers, and delegates from across the region, was conducted through a consensus arrangement, reinforcing the party’s commitment to unity and internal cohesion.

Proceedings commenced with a motion for the dissolution of the outgoing Zonal Executive Committee, moved by the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, and seconded by his Bayelsa State counterpart, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, and was unanimously adopted.

Subsequently, a motion adopting consensus as the mode of electing new officers was moved by Senator Essien Williams of Cross River State and seconded by Senator Aniekan Bassey of Akwa Ibom North East, and was also unanimously adopted by all delegates.

At the end of the exercise, Chief Victor Giadom emerged as National Vice Chairman (South-South); Dr. Ita Udosen, Zonal Secretary; Barr. Neworld Safugha, Legal Adviser; Dr. Samuel Nwanosike, Publicity Secretary; Prince Urhoro Koyoyo, Youth Leader; Hon. Suobankuo Omoni, Women Leader; Hon. Prince Edward, Organising Secretary; and Prince Ayo Peter, who is to represent Persons with Disabilities.

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, in his remarks, conveyed the goodwill of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and commended the South-South for its growing unity and political consolidation within the APC.

He noted that the region had witnessed remarkable transformation, moving from minimal APC presence to becoming a strong political bloc with increased alignment from governors and stakeholders.

Akpabio challenged party faithfuls to position the South-South as the highest vote-delivering region for the APC in the 2027 general elections, stressing that such a goal was both achievable and necessary.

Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, in his goodwill message, welcomed delegates to Asaba and described the congress as a demonstration of the party’s strength, unity, and readiness for future political engagements.

Oborevwori emphasized the need for sustained grassroots mobilization and urged party members to deepen internal cohesion, strengthen structures across all levels, and maintain strong connections with the people.

Chairman of the South-South Governors’ Forum and Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, also underscored the importance of unity, describing the adoption of consensus as a major step in reducing internal conflicts and fostering collective ownership within the party.

He noted that, for the first time in recent political history, the South-South was speaking with one voice, adding that the full attendance of governors at the congress demonstrated their shared commitment to the region’s progress.

Governors Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Bassey Otu (Cross River), Monday Okpebholo (Edo), and Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers) in their separate remarks, spoke in the same vein, stressing the importance of the zone aligning with the Government at the centre.

Earlier in his welcome address, Chief Victor Giadom thanked party leaders and stakeholders for their support during his tenure and highlighted the progress made by the APC in the region, including electoral victories and increased political alignment.

In his acceptance speech, Giadom, who was relelected, expressed optimism that the party would continue to expand its influence ahead of the 2027 elections and position itself for greater success.

The congress was also attended by members of the National and State Houses of Assembly, Ministers, other top government functionaries, party leaders and stakeholders from across the zone.

The event concluded with a renewed commitment by party leaders and members to strengthen unity, expand grassroots support, and consolidate the APC’s growing influence in the South-South region.