Niger Delta

‘Oborevwori Has Zero Tolerance For Cutting Corners’

Published

2 years ago

August 23, 2024

Delta State Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, has said the State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has zero tolerance for shabby jobs and sharp practices in projects delivery.
Speaking to journalists during an unscheduled inspection of the ongoing flyover bridge at PTI Junction, Effurun, in Uvwie Local Government Area, the Commissioner emphasised that the Governor was committed to quality and would never allow anything that deviates from project specifications.
Izeze said the clarification became necessary following a viral video that trended midweek, alleging that the rods being used for the construction of flyover bridges in Effurun and Warri are 10mm in diameter, contrary to the 16mm provided in the BEME.
“The reason we are here today is to address a malicious claim that the rods being used for the project are 10 millimeters in diameter, which is simply untrue”, he declared.
Izeze continued that, “This project has been designed by some of the best engineers in the country and is being supervised by top professionals within the Ministry of Works.
“The Governor is known for his consistent commitment to quality. He supervised the construction of the Osubi Airstrip by Julius Berger over 20 years ago and has visited this site more times than I can count.
“He has closely followed every process because this project is very dear to his heart; he is dedicated to giving Warri and Uvwie a much-needed facelift.
“In his pursuit of quality projects, he has mandated that our certification process will now involve dual oversight: after the Ministry of Works certifies a project, the Special Project unit will also conduct its own certification. This illustrates his deep concern for the quality of his projects.
“He aims to leave a legacy of durable projects, xxrnot roads that will wash away after one or two rainy seasons.
“Meanwhile, someone who cannot accept the outcome of the last election has publicly alleged that this project is not being constructed according to specifications, despite not having seen the Bill of Quantities.
“We attempted to clarify the situation, but he insisted that the rods used are 10mm. As an engineer, I believe in facts: we have measured the rods with a vernier caliper, and they are 16.0mm.
“To further reinforce our position that this project will stand the test of time, every piece of steel used has been imported, which accounts for the difference in cost compared to local contractors.
“The misinformation being spread by this individual is completely unfounded, and despite our repeated explanations, he continues to spread it with enthusiasm”.
Mr. Thomas Haug, the Project Manager of Julius Berger, affirmed that the rods being used are 16mm, contrary to the speculation that they are 10mm.
He stated that all the rods are imported and not locally produced in Nigeria.
“We are working according to specifications, and we are confident that the project will stand the test of time”, he stated.

Albert Ograka,
Asaba

Niger Delta

Otu Recommits To Support For Navy

Published

8 hours ago

March 23, 2026

The Tide

Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has said his administration will continue to collaborate with the navy for effective protection of the waterways.

Otu stated this when the Commandant, Nigeria Navy Ship (NNS) Victory, Commodore Shuaib Ahmed, visited him in Calabar.

The Governor described the visit as critical to consolidating the partnership between Cross River State and the navy.

“Peace and stability remain non-negotiable prerequisites for the progress of the state.

“So, this visit reaffirms our shared resolve to keep the state safe and secured through sustained collaboration,” he said.

Otu stated that security remained the foundation for meaningful development in every society.

“No society prospers in the midst of insecurity. As a state, our development vision depends on peace, order and collective vigilance,” he said.

The Governor commended the Navy for the level of professionalism being exuded by its personnel in the discharge of their duties.

He said the Navy’s efforts had hugely boosted investor confidence and strengthened the state’s economic environment.

The Governor assured the Navy of the state government’s continued support towards enhanced operation.

Earlier, Ahmed explained that the visit followed the military tradition of familiarizing with authorities upon assumption of duties.

He stated that it was crucial to align naval operations with the strategic priorities of the state government.

The naval chief thanked the state government for its support to the force, saying, “your support has helped us immensely in achieving targets”

The Commandant further said there was need to strengthen infrastructure and communication systems in order to address evolving security challenges.

“Operationalising key naval facilities will improve our capacity to tackle maritime crimes.

“The Navy is committed to supporting the state in ensuring the safety and security of the waterways.

“We shall continue to promote peace while enabling the residents to carry out their lawful activities without fear,” he said.

Niger Delta

Community Praises Diri, Ogbuku On Projects Execution … Prioritises Security, Dev

Published

8 hours ago

March 23, 2026

The Tide

The Agbura Community of Yenagoa Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, has again lauded the State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, and the Managing-Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, over infrastructure projects executed in the community.

Speaking with newsmen midweek in Yenagoa, its Chairman, Community Development Committee, Mr. Tribunal Egba, hailed the Governor for the successful completion of the abandoned Oxbow lake-Agbura Road project and others within the Community.

He also eulogized the NDDC MD for the construction of new lodge in the community for serving Corps members as well as plans to execute other projects.

Mr. Egba added that the completion of the Oxbow Lake-Agbura Road has given the community facelift, while also pleading with the government and the interventionist agency to award shore protection contract in the community to save it from the perennial floodings experienced in the fast urbanizing town.

Similarly, the community’s leadership has given assurances that it will continue to give priority to development and security of lives and property.

The CDC helmsman promised to strengthen the existing community vigilante group, while also stressing that the age-long synergy between the community and security agencies would be improved upon to get rid of crime and criminalities in the area.

“As a community, we’re so thankful to Governor Diri for constructing the abandoned Oxbow Lake-Agbura Road project. We’re also glad with the level of infrastructural development ongoing in other parts of the state, courtesy of the Diri-led administration.

“We also like to laud the MD/CEO, NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku for the construction of a befitting Corpers lodge for Corps members serving in this community.

“Our priority as a community now is to protect these infrastructure projects. We’ll continue to work in synergy with all security agencies to make sure there’s peace and development”, the CDC leadership said.

By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa

Niger Delta

Delta Shocked Over Death Of Chief Protocol Officer

Published

8 hours ago

March 23, 2026

The Tide

Delta State Government has expressed deep sadness over the sudden death of Mr. Sunny Kotor, Senior Special Assistant on Protocol to the State Government.

Kotor, a renowned Master of Ceremony at state functions, reportedly slumped and passed away last Friday.

In a statement signed by the Delta State Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, in Warri on Saturday, his passing was described as “a profound loss; not only to his family, but to the Government and people of Delta State who benefited immensely from his professionalism, composure, and unmistakable presence at official engagements.

“He brought dignity, structure, and excellence to every function he handled, leaving behind a standard that will be difficult to forget,” the statement added.

The Commissioner noted that “every passing is indeed a sobering reminder of how fragile and fleeting life can be,” extending heartfelt condolences to Kotor’s family, colleagues, and all who had the privilege of working with him.

The statement prayed that God would grant them the strength to bear the irreparable loss.