Niger Delta
Okrika CTC Boss Empowers 1,000 People … Set To Pay Bursary
The Caretaker Committee (CTC) Chairman of Okrika Local Government Area, Hon Princess Ibiene Ogan, says her administration will continue to put the people of Okrika first in all her policies.
According to her, the essence of being appointed into office is to ensure that the people have access to the commonwealth of the LGA, in addition to working with all to promote peace and security.
Hon. Ogan stated this in Okrika during an empowerment programme targeted at 1,000 persons, including indigenes and those doing business in the area.
The CTC boss noted that the empowerment is to help cushion the challenging economic situation in the country, noting that it cuts across all the wards and every strata in the local government.
She disclosed that her committee was also looking in the direction of paying bursaries to Okrika indigenes in higher institutions.
While commending Governor Siminalayi Fubara for his efforts at carrying out various programmes and policies in Okrika, she declared their support and readiness to queue behind him at all times.
In his words of exhortation, the Anglican Bishop of Okrika Diocese, Rt. Rev. Enoch Atuboyedia, admonished the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the empowerment programme aimed at alleviating suffering amongst the people.
He particularly charged them not to squander the money on wasteful ventures that would not add meaning to their lives.
President of Wakirike Students Union, Benneth Wisdom, while praising the Caretaker Committee boss, assured her of the students’ support.
He expressed gratitude to the CTC boss for promising to look into bursary payment for students of Okrika origin.
Another beneficiary, Mr. Oba, was overjoyed, declaring that the CTC Chairman represents a new paradigm shift in the way and the people of the area were being carried along.
Theresa Frederick & Charity Amiso
Continue Reading
The Amanyanabo of Koniju town, in Okrika Local Government Area, Rivers State, His Royal Majesty, King Winston Odiye Alamina Oputibeya XII, has expressed satisfaction over the activities of Port Harcourt Arsenal Community.
He further said that bringing Arsenal fans together for a common purpose, which is love, unity, and peace, is commendable and pledges to support the community in his own little way.
HRM Oputibeya said this when some members of the community, led by Ugochukwu Oputa, paid him a courtesy visit in his house in Port Harcourt yesterday.
According to him, he started supporting and following Arsenal Football Club some decades back, saying that anybody who loves good football must love Arsenal because players in Arsenal play good football.
“I was longing to meet leaders of the community to also be part of it because I like their organizational structure and I love Arsenal.
“The activities of the Port Harcourt Arsenal Community for me are satisfactory; that is why I am associating with it.
“I would like members to conduct themselves in a civil manner because football fans all over are the progress of their club and love,” he said.
Earlier, the coordinator of the Port Harcourt community, Ugochukwu Oputa, thanked the royal father for accepting the community, assuring that the group will do her best to get recognition and connection with Arsenal FC in London.
Oputa narrated the activities lined up by the community on Saturday, saying that everything had been put in place for the street procession.
In his vote of thanks, a member of the Arsenal Community, Com. Tonye Orabere also thanked the Amanyanbo for his magnanimity and pledged to assist the community. He prays God to continue to bless him.
Tonye Orabere
The Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) has commended the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for initiating reforms aimed at digitising its procurement processes to enhance transparency, efficiency and accountability.
Speaking at the NDDC Procurement Policy Reform and Digitisation Stakeholders’ Sensitisation and Training Summit in Port Harcourt, the Director-General of the BPP, Adebowale Adedokun, described the initiative as a significant step towards modernising public sector operations.
Adedokun said the transition to paperless governance had become imperative as government institutions seek to reduce delays, eliminate waste and improve service delivery.
According to him, public procurement remains central to the execution of government policies and must embrace modern technology to boost productivity and strengthen public confidence.
“Procurement lies at the heart of public service delivery. It determines how resources are allocated, how projects are executed, and ultimately, how development reaches our people”, he said.
The BPP boss stressed the importance of inter-agency collaboration in ensuring a seamless transition to digital operations, noting that the reforms align with the broader agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to build a more responsive and citizen-focused public sector.
In his remarks, the Managing Director of the NDDC, Samuel Ogbuku, said the sensitisation workshop formed part of the Commission’s efforts to strengthen institutional capacity and adopt innovative solutions in line with global best practices in governance and service delivery.
He stated that the Commission was implementing the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration in the Niger Delta region, while commending the BPP for supporting the Commission and facilitating the speedy completion of projects.
Ogbuku noted that the workshop came at a critical period when public institutions across the country were embracing reforms aimed at improving governance systems, eliminating inefficiencies and rebuilding public trust.
He said empowering stakeholders, contractors and service providers with the required knowledge would accelerate development and create sustainable value across the Niger Delta.
“We are not only reforming, but we are also transforming the Niger Delta region”, he stated.
Ogbuku explained that the Commission’s reforms would move procurement processes from manual, paper-based operations to a fully digital platform designed to improve accessibility, reduce delays and minimise opportunities for corruption.
According to him, digitisation of procurement processes goes beyond technological advancement and represents a critical governance reform aimed at promoting transparency, improving service delivery and ensuring responsible management of public resources.
Earlier, the NDDC Director of Procurement, Chuks Osuji, said the policy reform and digitisation initiative would improve workflow, eliminate inefficiencies and strengthen accountability in the Commission’s procurement system.
He added that all contractors engaging with the Commission would henceforth operate through the online procurement platform, which would also provide an effective feedback mechanism for stakeholders.
Speaking on behalf of contractors and consultants, Maraizu Uche lauded the initiative and pledged their cooperation towards ensuring a seamless transition to the digital platform.
He, however, appealed to the Commission to review its payment system to address delays in settling executed contracts.
The workshop, themed “Promoting Best Procurement Practices and Digital System for the NDDC”, was held across the nine states of the Niger Delta region.
The Nigerian Navy has inaugurated eight units of two-bedroom flats at the Ikot Ansa Senior Staff Quarters as part of efforts to boost personnel welfare and operational efficiency.
Speaking at the event in Calabar on Monday, the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, said similar housing projects would be inaugurated in Port Harcourt and Uyo.
Represented by Rear Adm. Chidozie Okehie, the Flag Officer Commanding, Eastern Naval Command, Abbas said the navy would always give priority attention to personnel welfare.
He stated that the housing units would not only translate to decent homes for officers, but boost their morale for greater efficiency.
“I have repeatedly tied welfare projects to better operational readiness against maritime crimes.
“We are very deliberate about closing the accommodation gaps for officers and ratings”, he said.
The CNS charged recipients of the housing units to ensure good maintenance culture while in occupation.
Abbass reiterated the commitment of the navy to initiate new housing projects while taking steps to complete all pending ones.
“The newly inaugurated units of flats are part of the projects that we inherited from our predecessors”, he said.
-
News5 days ago
Obuah’s Victory Excites Former Lawmaker as APC Primaries Conclude in Rivers West
-
News5 days ago
105 Nigerians Killed In S/Africa In Seven Years
-
Niger Delta5 days agoRoyal Father Endorses PH Arsenal Community, Pledges To Support
-
Sports5 days agoKhana, Akpajo All-Stars Set For Friendly Match ” Morrow”
-
Sports5 days ago
PH To Host 2026 NWFL Super Six
-
Business5 days ago
Dangote Refinery Ending Nigeria’s Dependence on Imported Fuel – EIU
-
Business5 days ago
Commercial Aviation: Bayelsa Begins Operations As Pioneer Airline Launches Maiden Flight
-
Sports5 days ago
FG Approves Nationwide Stadium Overhaul