Niger Delta

Ogoni Postgraduate Forum Tasks HYPREP On Scholarship Scheme

Published

1 year ago

February 5, 2025

The Ogoni Postgraduate Forum, has called on the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) to make its postgraduate scholarship scheme an annual event and also review the scheme, by increasing the number of beneficiaries.
The Convener of the Ogoni Postgraduate Forum, Mr Bariatonlo Ken Nnaane, who made the call in an address during the maiden award ceremony of the scholarship scheme in Port Harcourt, also enjoined HYPREP to jettison the age barrier in subsequent editions of the programme, and place emphasis on bursary awards in place of the scholarship grants.
According to him, giving bursary to the students is likely to absorb more beneficiaries than the scholarship scheme, given the Project Coordinator’s resolve to deepening inclusivity.
The forum also stressed the need for HYPREP to provide training and employment opportunities to its members, as well as support and strengthen research collaboration with the organisation, particularly those members carrying out research in Environmental Sciences.
Nnaane harped on the need for the project to provide support to the forum for its forthcoming Education Summit, saying it is an event billed to witness the presentation of awards to the Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Abbas Lawal and the Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Prof Neinibarini Zabbey.
He equally pleaded that provision be made for the leadership of the forum to monitor the subsequent editions of the scholarship grants, in order to provide feedback to members of the forum.
The convener thanked the Project Coordinator for the timely expansion of HYPREP’s livelihood programme to include scholarship support for Ogoni postgraduate students; and also the Minister of Environment for his kind approval of granting 300 Ogoni postgraduate students access to scholarship support.
He noted that Zabbey’s leadership at HYPREP is defined by excellence, saying, this groundbreaking scholarship initiative is conspicuously, a display of consistency, tact and trust in the policy thrust of his administration.
“We are proud to say it on good note that you have shown class in driving the Ogoni clean-up through several laudable programmes and projects, specifically the construction of the Centre of Excellence, the Ogoni Specialist Hospital, Ogoni water schemes, to mention but a few. To say that you have performed creditably is to say the least. Your timely response to several of the forum’s letters to the Project Coordination Office and press briefing seeking for the inclusion of Ogoni researchers in HYPREP’s livelihood programme was greeted with cheers.We endorse the credible and transparent selection process that gave rise to the forum’s 300 beneficiaries,” he said.
He further indicated that the forum would remain relentless in its commitment to collaboration with HYPREP, to unlock other livelihood deliverables to support Ogoni researchers.
Nnaane said it is on record that the Ogonis are not neophytes on the academic corridor, but noted that some of the no mean academic feats they have recorded, are attained in toil, tears and self-denial, “the single reason we had solicited for research support priority to alleviate our research burdens.”
While congratulating the scholarship beneficiaries on their success, the convener urged them to contribute meaningfully to the transformation, growth and development of Ogoniland, as well as “take the lead to protect this shared heritage.”
He, however, admonished the members of the forum who are yet to ben!efit from the scholarship scheme to be calm, noting that “time is a ceaseless continuum, with the events of life buried therein.”
According to him, other opportunities abound, it is a matter of patience, which is a virtue.
Nnaane also applauded the Project Coordinator’s virtue for adhering to the forum’s earlier plea for the credibility of the selection process.
“Indeed, we are satisfied with the rigorous but thorough process adopted by the verification team.We are also making a clarion call on other public-spirited individuals, government functionaries, government agencies and donor organisations to emulate this gesture,” he said.

Donatus Ebi

Niger Delta

NPC Unveils Digital Registration System In Delta

Published

5 days ago

February 23, 2026

The Tide

The National Population Commission (NPC), on Friday, launched the Electronic Civil Registration and Vital Statistics System (eCRVS) in Delta State, designed to strengthen data generation and vital statistics management.

The Tide’s source reports that the system was launched by the Delta Federal Commissioner, Mrs. Blessyn Brume-Ataguba, at a news briefing in Asaba.

Brume-Ataguba recalled that President Bola Tinubu formally launched the eCRVS in November 2023 as part of the efforts to modernise Nigeria’s civil registration process.

She said the initiative followed resolutions reached at the Sixth Session of the Conference of African Ministers Responsible for Civil Registration and Vital Statistics in Addis Ababa in 2022.

According to her, African ministers urged member states to automate civil registration processes and implement the UN Legal Identity Agenda.

“Nigeria responded by developing an electronic, technology-driven system to enhance data generation and improve civil statistics nationwide,” Brume-Ataguba said.

She said NPC, in collaboration with UNICEF, produced an eCRVS Operational Readiness Assessment Report to guide implementation.

She explained that the partnership aims to establish a fully digital civil registration system that converts records of vital events into reliable statistics for effective planning and decision-making.

Brume-Ataguba described the initiative as a complete shift from paper-based documentation to a modern digital platform aligned with international best practices.

She said the system would transform the way births and deaths were recorded, tracked and analysed across the country.

“This process marks a complete departure from the traditional paper-based recording of vital events to a state-of-the-art digital solution that conforms to international best practices.

“This eCRVS promises to revolutionise how vital events are recorded, tracked and analysed in the country.

“This will ensure commitments, and a sustained national, international financial and political investment for birth registration within the CVRS in Nigeria, ” Brume-Ataguba said.

She also said the launch demonstrated the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening civil registration data capture and processing.

She further said improved vital statistics would support national development planning and help Nigeria achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

Brume-Ataguba continued that the state-level launch was necessary to sensitise the media and the public on the significance of the digital registration system.

She described the media as a vital partner in informing and educating citizens about the importance of registering vital events electronically.

She further assured residents that competent ICT personnel were available at the state level to address technical challenges and provide support.

The NPC commissioner emphasised that the eCRVS would overhaul the registration of births and deaths in the country and lay a solid foundation for efficient civil statistics management.

She urged stakeholders to collaborate with the commission to realise its goal of providing accurate and timely vital registration data.

She announced that the current phase of the e-CRVS programme would be concluded in March.

In her remark, the NPC State Director, Mrs. Jane Odigwe, appealed to the Delta Government to support the implementation of the system in the state.

“Your partnership is vital in helping us to reach this goal,” Odigwe said.

She also urged parents to register their children, saying that a birth certificate is essential for access to education, healthcare and other opportunities.

She said that registering children today would secure their identity and future participation in Nigeria’s development.

“To every parent in Delta, I urge you to bring your children forward for birth registration.

“A birth certificate is not just a document but your child’s key to education, healthcare and global opportunities.

“By registering your child today, you are giving them a voice in Nigeria of tomorrow,” Odigwe said.

Niger Delta

Police Uncover Suspects’ Armoury … Recover Weapons In Delta

Published

5 days ago

February 23, 2026

The Tide

The Police Command in Delta State has recovered assorted weapons from a criminal hideout in the state.

Spokesman for the Command, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this to newsmen, who on Friday in Warri, said the weapons were recovered on Thursday by the operatives of the Command’s Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), led by ASP Julius Robinson.

He said the feat was achieved following a confession by a suspect handed over to the police team by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Orerokpe Division, for further interrogation.

Edafe said the suspect was alleged to be a member of a criminal syndicate terrorising commuters and residents on the Warri/Sapele Road.

“On February 19, acting on information obtained during interrogation, the suspect led the operatives to a concealed armoury located on the Sapele/Warri Road by the Adheje Community axis.

“A thorough search of the hideout resulted in the recovery of a locally made long gun, a locally made cut-to-size gun.

“Also recovered were a fabricated Beretta pistol loaded with five rounds of live ammunition, 10 live cartridges and a dagger,” he said.

Edafe stated that the investigation into the matter was ongoing.

He, however, quoted the Commissioner of Police in charge of the Command, Mr. Aina Adesola, to have reiterated the command’s resolve in dismantling criminal networks, and mopping up illegal firearms, among others, in the state.

Niger Delta

Police Caution On Lawless Protests On Court Matters In A’Ibom

Published

5 days ago

February 23, 2026

The Tide

The Police Command in Akwa Ibom State has cautioned on threats of lawless protests by some members of the public over matters that are already before the courts.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Azare, told newsmen in Uyo on Friday that illegal protests could undermine public peace and order.

“When matters are already in court, let’s follow legal and civil means to seek redress. That is how a civilised society works.

“Although we recognise the constitutional rights of citizens to lawful expression and peaceful assembly, illegal protests are not allowed,” he said.

Azare said the Command would not tolerate threats or acts of nude protests, unlawful occupation of public or private facilities, and disruption of government, economic or social activities.

He said anyone found culpable of engaging in acts or threats of illegal protests would be prosecuted in line with the law.

“As a Command, we are committed to the maintenance of law and order, we are also committed to protecting lives and property”, he stated.