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Niger Delta

Bayelsa D’Gov, Others Want Harmonized Maritime Laws

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Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, and other stakeholders have stressed the need for awareness on maritime safety and security.
Coming under the aegis of the Nigerian International Coastal Border Platform, stakeholders from the states comprising Bayelsa, Delta, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ogun, Ondo and Lagos, also called for the establishment of a workable community surveillance and intelligence sharing framework in all coastal security operations.
Presenting a 10-point communique at the end of its inaugural summit in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Chairman of the platform and Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Ewhrudjakpo and other stakeholders also called on relevant authorities to expedite the harmonization of all maritime laws, including the Suppression of Privacy and Oher Maritime Offences (SPOMO) Act to ensure better implementation.
The platform noted that such awareness will not only foster a culture of compliance with national and international laws, but also help the country to optimally harness its potential in the blue economy.
A statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Bayelsa Deputy Governor, Mr. Doubara Atasi, said the Platform also advocated dedication of a percentage of revenue from maritime taxes and crude oil exports to coastal security funding.
The group also called for investments in maritime transport services to stimulate economic activities between coastal communities bordering the Atlantic Ocean and neighbouring countries.
“The need for a healthy maritime environment and effective maritime border governance to combat pollution, protect mangroves and prevent degradation that could lead to economic hardship and insecurity.
“Taking advantage of the African Integrated Border Governance Strategy and the African Continental Free Trade Zone to boost cross-border trade between coastal communities and neighbouring countries.
“Integrate climate change resilience on Maritime Border policies; increase provision of social infrastructure in coastal communities; establishment of a cross-border platform for regular engagement between coastal communities and neighbouring countries”, the Platform stated.
Declaring the summit open, the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pst. Umo Eno, commended the deputy governors forming the Platform, noting that there are lots of challenges facing Nigeria’s coastal states, which must be addressed.
On his part, the Deputy Governor of Delta State, Sir Monday Onyeme, expressed optimism that the activities of the Platform will not only foster border governance, but also proffer solutions to disputes along coastal boundaries.
Others who spoke at the summit include the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Sen. Akon Eyakenyi; Ogun State Deputy Governor, Noimot Salako-Oyedele; Director-General of National Boundary Commission, Surv. Adamu Adaji; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogana; Prof. Enefiok Essien, all of who listed several benefits of effective management of the coastal border of the country.
By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa
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Niger Delta

SSI Moves To Empower Residents Of N’Delta Communities

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A faith-driven, non-profit humanitarian and development organisation based in Port Harcourt, the Solution Social Initiative(SSI) has taken a bold step to help and empower some disadvantaged persons residing in some communities of the Niger Delta region, by holding its first strategic meeting.

 

The Director of SSI, Prophet Efe Cyril Edah, who highlighted the importance of the organisation while speaking with newsmen in Port Harcourt on Saturday, said he was motivated to establish the body after recognising the fact that several persons were suffering in the Niger Delta and needed help without such help coming forth.

 

He noted that the organisation was established to reach out to such persons in critical sectors like education, health and youth empowerment.

 

According to him, the SSI, which is a social impact arm of his church, the Solution Prayer Power Divine Ministry was established to restore hope to the hopeless and neglected people of some communities in the Niger Delta, including widows and orphans.

 

He said the organisation is targeting Ogoni communities, Eleme and Ahoada in Rivers State; and other communities in Delta, Akwa Ibom and Edo States.

 

Prophet Edah, the General Overseer of Solution Prayer Power Divine Ministry gave more insight into the activities and goals of SSI in his welcome address during the body’s first strategic meeting in Port Harcourt.

 

According to him, the meeting marked a significant milestone in the body’s shared journey to bring hope, dignity and practical hope to those who need it most.

 

As the social impact arm of his church, he said the organisation was birthed from a vision to restore lives, uplift communities, and be a beacon of light to the disadvantaged, especially in the Niger Delta and other underserved regions of Nigeria.

 

He disclosed that the mission of SSI is rooted in action, by transforming lives in critical sectors of the society, including education, health, youth empowerment, emergency humanitarian relief, and most especially, the empowerment of women.

 

The SSI Director said, “We are committed to ensuring that women in underserved communities gain access to education, vocational training, entrepreneurial opportunities and the advocacy needed to secure their rights. In doing so,we align ourselves with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs), particularly those that promote gender equality, social inclusion and economic independence.”

 

He further noted that the first strategic meeting of the organisation was more than an administrative gathering, as it is the birthplace of its strategic direction, strategically designed for the members and other participants to chart its course; strengthen its operational structures; and define clear priorities that would enable it to maximise impact and sustain growth.

 

He, therefore, urged the members to think boldly, plan wisely, and act decisively, saying, “Remember, the work before us is not for personal gain, but for the transformation of lives and the upliftment of communities, who without our intervention may remain unseen and unheard.”

 

On his part, the Programme Coordinator of SSI, Ambassador Fidelis Onakpoma, presented a comprehensive report, highlighting the organisation’s recent achievements, which included strategic partnerships with government agencies, embassies and international organisations; the launch of the GROW-Her Project, empowering women and girls in the Niger Delta; a Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) with CDF-GWDN; a scholarship award programme, benefiting underserved students; and targeted humanitarian interventions for Internally Displaced Persons(IDPs).

 

The meeting equally featured an online introduction session with S SI’s international partner, signalling the organisation’s expanding global collaboration network and readiness to align with international best practices in humanitarian response and development work.

 

It was also revealed that the day’s proceedings reaffirmed the body’s commitment to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs) through grassroots impact, strategic partnerships, and faith-driven compassion.

 

With this bold and audacious initiative, analysts and keen observers said it is clear that SSI has set a clear foundation for growth, accountability, and greater humanitarian reach across Nigeria and beyond.

 

During the meeting, key executives of the organisation were officially presented their appointment letters, including Mr Ogieriakhi Osayuwamen Pedro as Financial Director; Barrister Ekwebelem Chikwendu as Legal Director; and Evangelist Destiny Ese as Welfare and Logistics Officer, among others.

 

The Programme Director, Ambassador Fidelis Onakpoma said in an interview that he was amazed when the Director introduced the idea of establishing the social impact arm of the Solution Prayer Divine Ministry, saying, he tapped into the idea and resolved to assist SSI achieve its goals using his vast connections and expertise.

 

He said it is Biblical and also compulsory for churches to have their social impact arm like SSI, stressing that while healing is the spiritual dimension, feeding the flocks with physical food is the social dimension.

 

Ambassador Onakpoma stressed the need for perceived disadvantaged persons in the society not to be neglected and abandoned but to be encouraged that they still have hope.

 

According to him, the youths should avoid crime and embrace peace.

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Niger Delta

Activist Raises Alarm Over N25m Bounty Placement On Him 

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A United Kingdom based Bayelsa State activist, Mr. Warmate Imgbi, has alleged that a Niger Delta Militant group, “Supreme Egbesu Liberation Fighters”, have placed a N25million bounty on his life following his continued criticism byof their activities in the oil rich region.
He alleged that trouble started when he condemned the latter’s activities connected to illegal oil bunkering and other nefarious acts in Bayelsa and neighbouring Delta States.
Imgbi in a Press statement said the Militants see his vocal environmental advocacy as a threat to their illegal and nefarious activities, and now seek to eliminate him.
The UK-based environmentalist noted that in recent months the militants have been tracking him via his verified X account where he has been highlighting the dangers of crude oil theft and unregulated refining in the Niger Delta region.
“A certain militant leader, ‘General Simple’, has been cyber-bulling me very often. He showed me images and reports of my condemnation of their illegal and hazardous environmental activities they’re engaged in in the Niger Delta region.
“I’ve said time without number that they’ve been causing environmental degradation, oil spills, and pollution of water sources which are affecting thousands of residents.
“They threatened me, saying I’ve been undermining their operations. Even moreso, recently my family members based in parts of Bayelsa State have previously suffered attacks, with their properties vandalised by armed men believed to be linked to the group.
“The Supreme Egbesu Liberation Fighters operate in the creeks of Bayelsa and neighbouring Delta States with a history of violent attacks and property destruction.
“In 2021, the Supreme Egbesu militants group had threatened to carry out attacks in Lagos and Abuja”, Imgbi said.
Meanwhile, The Tide which reached the Police Public Relations Officer of the State Police Command,  ASP Musa Mohammed, and his counterpart from the State’s Command of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Diri Ogbere, reports that the activist has not official briefed their commands of the alleged threats to his life due to his criticism of their illegal oil and environmental related hazards.
The duo, however, noted that their Commands in partnership with sister security formations have been working relentlessly to curb vandalism of national assets, especially oil and gas infrastructure, while also beefing security in the state to ensure the safety and protection of lives and properties of both citizens and the Government.
“Human rights groups have, however, called on both the Nigerian and UK governments to take immediate steps to ensure my safety. Illegal oil bunkering remains a thriving black-market trade in the Niger Delta.
“It causes massive economic losses to Nigeria and long-term damage to the environment”, the activist added.
By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa
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Niger Delta

Oborevwori To Flag Off Widows Welfare Scheme For 10,000 Beneficiaries, Today

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Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, will today officially flag off the Delta State Widows Welfare Scheme, with 10,000 beneficiaries expected to benefit from the initiative.
The ceremony, scheduled to hold at the Dome Event Centre, Asaba, will commence at 10:00 a.m.
Executive Assistant to the Governor on Social Investment and Coordinator of the scheme, Chief Isioma Okonta, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists in Asaba.
According to Okonta, the programme is part of the Oborevwori administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of widows across the state, providing them with financial support and other empowerment packages to enhance their livelihoods.
He added that the initiative aligns with the state’s broader social investment agenda, aimed at cushioning economic hardship and fostering inclusive growth.
The event is expected to attract government officials, stakeholders in social welfare, and representatives of various women groups across Delta State.
By: Albert Ograka, Asaba
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