Niger Delta
Blue Economy: Revamping More Ports Will Boost National Development – Aniagwu
Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, has emphasized that revamping and expanding more ports across Nigeria is essential to unlocking the full potential of the country’s blue economy.
Speaking during an interview on ADBN Television recently, Aniagwu noted that strategic investments in port infrastructure would significantly enhance national development, create jobs, and strengthen the country’s maritime logistics framework.
He explained that the South-South region is the natural hub of Nigeria’s blue economy, as all states in the region are bordered by the Atlantic Ocean.
According to him, over-reliance on the Apapa Port in Lagos has hindered the growth of Nigeria’s maritime potential, hence he called for the decentralization of port services to stimulate broader economic development.
Aniagwu urged the Federal Government to harness the vast economic potential of the nation’s aquatic resources, particularly in the Niger Delta region, to drive national growth.
He noted that the Delta State Government, under the leadership of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, is already creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, especially in sectors tied to the blue economy.
He highlighted the state’s ongoing infrastructure efforts, including improved road connectivity between urban and rural areas.
“The Oborevwori administration is constructing a new road in Asaba that leads to the River Niger, opening up opportunities and laying the foundation for a new city, the Asaba Waterfront City”, he said.
He further stated that residents can now travel from Asaba to Warri in just one hour and fifty minutes, thanks to the completion of a smooth dual carriageway that is free of potholes, greatly enhancing travel efficiency and regional connectivity.
“Improved infrastructure like the Asaba-Ughelli dual carriage is not just about ease of movement, it is also about enabling trade, attracting investment, and fostering sustainable development. This kind of development creates a ripple effect across multiple sectors”, he stated.
He emphasized the need to fully develop and maximize the existing ports in the Niger Delta, including Warri, Koko, Sapele, and Burutu in Delta State, the Ibom Deep Seaport in Ibeno, Akwa Ibom State, Onne Port in Rivers and the Calabar Port in Cross River, as viable alternatives to Lagos ports.
Aniagwu also advocated for the establishment of a functional port in Lokoja and the dredging of the River Niger to allow larger vessels to berth there.
This, he said, would ease cargo movement to the Middle Belt and other parts of Northern Nigeria, reducing dependence on the congested Apapa Port.
“Reviving and expanding these ports will allow Nigeria to participate more competitively in the global maritime economy. It will also diversify our national revenue streams and reduce our over-reliance on oil”, he stated.
He recalled that experts have long advocated for investment in modern port infrastructure, saying “a well-equipped port system is crucial for efficient import and export activities”.
Aniagwu stressed the importance of upgrading port facilities to accommodate large vessels and heavy-duty cargo, positioning Nigeria as a maritime trade hub in West Africa.
“Imagine the economic transformation if ports in underutilized locations were developed and operated at full capacity. This would enable the establishment of free trade zones and supporting infrastructure across various regions of the country”, he said.
Aniagwu called on relevant authorities, port managers, and stakeholders in the maritime sector to pursue bold reforms and increased investments in port development.
He further stressed that improved port infrastructure would also extend the lifespan of Nigeria’s road network, as fewer high-tonnage trucks would be needed to transport goods over long distances, thereby reducing road wear and tear.
“By addressing these long-standing challenges and embracing high-speed connectivity and modern logistics, we can overcome the limitations that have hindered our progress for too long”, Aniagwu affirmed.
By: Albert Ograka, Asaba
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Nigeria has recorded its strongest-ever outing in global university rankings, with 24 institutions earning places in the 2026 Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings and Sub-Saharan Africa University Rankings.
However, only four universities from the South-South geopolitical zone made the prestigious list.
The South-South institutions that secured places in the rankings are Delta State University, Abraka (12th), University of Benin (22nd), University of Calabar (23rd), and University of Port Harcourt (24th).
The rankings, which represent Nigeria’s highest-ever participation, reinforces the country’s growing influence in higher education across Sub-Saharan Africa, with 24 universities listed, up from 21 in both the 2024 and 2025 editions.
The University of Ibadan retained its position as Nigeria’s highest-ranked institution, followed by the University of Lagos, while Bayero University, Kano, emerged as the third-best performing university in the country.
Of the 24 institutions, 17 are federal universities, four are state-owned, and three are private universities, reflecting broad improvements in teaching, research, and institutional performance across the country’s tertiary education sector.
The rankings also underscore the growing global recognition of Nigeria’s specialised universities of technology and agriculture, while state-owned institutions continue to improve their academic profiles through enhanced research output and governance reforms.
The full list of Nigeria’s universities in the 2026 THE rankings are: University of Ibadan; University of Lagos; Bayero University, Kano; Covenant University; Landmark University; Ahmadu Bello University; Federal University of Technology, Minna; University of Ilorin; University of Jos; University of Nigeria; Babcock University; and Delta State University, Abraka.
Others are: Ekiti State University; Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta; Federal University of Technology, Akure; Federal University of Technology, Owerri; Federal University, Oye-Ekiti; Ladoke Akintola University of Technology; Lagos State University; Nnamdi Azikiwe University; Obafemi Awolowo University; University of Benin; University of Calabar; and University of Port Harcourt.
The rankings highlight both Nigeria’s expanding presence on the global academic stage and the need for greater investment in higher education across regions, particularly in the South-South, where only four universities made the country’s top 24 list.
The Ogu Community in Otubo-Atissa, Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, has stated its commitment to preserving its culture, peace and community development through the celebration of the annual “Uge Adiafa” New Yam Festival, tagged “Ogbolo ’26.”
Held at St. John’s Primary School Field, Ogu, the colourful festival served not only as the traditional commencement of the yam harvest season, but also as a tribute to the community’s illustrious son and founder of the Uge Adiafa Festival, His Majesty, Late King Fedrick Aduku Simangi Ogbotom-Edede IV.
The celebration brought together sons and daughters of the community, traditional rulers, academics, youths and other guests in a display of thanksgiving, cultural performances and renewed communal solidarity.
Addressing the gathering, the traditional head of the community, HRH Bishop Akuegbe Paul, expressed delight at the massive turnout, describing the festival as a symbol of thanksgiving to God, cultural identity and unity among the people.
He noted that beyond celebrating a successful farming season, the festival honours the enduring legacy of the late monarch, whose vision established the Uge Adiafa Festival as a platform for preserving the community’s rich cultural heritage and promoting peaceful coexistence.
Guest of Honour, Professor Nedie Patience Akani, of Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, commended the community for embracing reconciliation and unity.
Professor Akani, who is of the Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, of the university and a daughter of the soil, said, “This is my first time attending this New Yam Festival. I came because of the good things happening in this community.
“Before now, there were quarrels in the community, with court cases here and there, brother fighting against brother. But today, God has united us. It is a wonderful thing to be united because where there is no unity, there can be no progress in the home, family or community.
“I thank the head of Ogu Community, HRH, Bishop Akuege Paul, for making today’s celebration a reality”, she stated.
The event also featured inter-compound cultural competitions, with Yenikabu II Compound emerging overall winner, while Bongata Compound and Abrima Compound finished first d second runners-up respectively.
Also, eleven Compound Chiefs alongside their respective Head Compound Women Chiefs were coronated. The Woman Chief of Ogu Community, HH, Dare Tiebiri and her Deputy, Chief Stella Jordan Mark, were also coronated.
Dignitaries that graced the occasion included the Ebenanawei of Akamabubu Kingdom, Southern Ijaw LGA, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, HRM, King J. Olotu Erepamo; the Paramount Ruler, Ikibiri Community, Yenagoa LGA, Bayelsa State, HRH, Barrister Morris Lagos; and the Ebeni-Isisibo of Atissa Kingdom, HRH, God’swill Arab Simeon.
Other are: the Ebeni-Otubo, Atissa Kingdom, HRH, Sir Anderson J. Olumo, and his wife, Mrs. Tarila Anderson Olumo; the Deputy Head of Ogu Community, HH, Mission Obugu, and wife of the Ebeni-Ibe of Atissa Kingdom, Mrs. Diemeze Victor Awala.
For the people of Ogu, the festival was more than a celebration of the first harvest, it underscored the importance of preserving cultural traditions, strengthening communal bonds, promoting reconciliation and passing cherished values from one generation to another, while also ensuring that the legacy of their forebears continue to inspire future generations.
Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company Limited (SEEPCO) has partnered the Delta State Government, Vcare for Development Foundation (VCDF) and the Nigerian Red Cross Society to promote voluntary blood donation as part of efforts to strengthen the state’s blood supply and save lives.
The initiative, which forms part of SEEPCO’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme for its host communities, aligns with activities marking the 2026 World Blood Donor Day with the theme, “One Drop of Humanity: Give Blood, Save Lives.”
The campaign was conducted across Delta State’s three senatorial districts — Asaba, Ughelli and Warri — where stakeholders sensitised residents on the importance of voluntary, regular and unpaid blood donation as the most sustainable means of ensuring adequate blood supply for healthcare facilities.
The exercise followed a similar campaign in Lagos State, where SEEPCO, in partnership with the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Service (LSBTS) and the Nigerian Red Cross Society, mobilised about 550 pints of blood within two days.
VCDF also highlighted the steady growth of its annual blood donation drive, with the number of donors increasing from 98 in 2022 to 147 in 2023, 268 in 2024 and 341 in 2025.
Before the Delta campaign, the foundation had recorded a cumulative total of 1,404 voluntary donors, a feat that earned it the Blood Donation Champion Award from the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Service.
At the Central Hospital, Ughelli, the hospital’s management and Blood Transfusion Committee commended SEEPCO, VCDF, the Delta State Ministry of Health and other partners for supporting initiatives aimed at improving access to safe blood for patients.
Speaking during the campaign, Delta State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, described voluntary blood donation as critical to responding to public health emergencies and saving lives during accidents, childbirth and other medical emergencies.
He said: “Voluntary blood donation is important for public health emergencies and to save lives during accidents and childbirth. We are deeply grateful to VCDF and its partners for their commitment to promoting voluntary blood donation and supporting life-saving healthcare initiatives.”
Participants said the awareness campaign had increased public understanding of the importance of blood donation, with many first-time donors expressing willingness to become regular donors after learning about the safety, benefits and life-saving impact of donating blood.
Stakeholders also stressed the need for sustained public enlightenment, noting that a single blood donation could save multiple lives, as the campaign recorded impressive community participation across the three senatorial districts.
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