Niger Delta

CRSG Seeks FG’s Approval For Oil Exploitation

Published

8 years ago

October 27, 2017

Determined to turn around her economy as well as reposition it as an industrial hub in sub-Saharan Africa, Cross River State Government is seeking Federal Government’s approval to start the exploitation of its abundant oil and gas deposits.
Governor Ben Ayade made the request when he received the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Pastor Usani Usani in company of Minister of State, Prof. Claudius Daramola during a courtesy visit to Government House, prior to the Ministry’s one-day investment summit held recently in Calabar.
According to him, “as a responsible government, we had to decide, even before we were sworn-in to begin the search for hydrocarbon and we are happy to report to you today that we have a letter before the President, backed by authentic report from a nuclear laboratory in Russia in partnership with the Ukrainian team that did the deep vision survey where those minerals are deposited requesting for discretional license from the Presidency for our oil company, Petrocross to start exploration and exploitation.
“We are not looking for money, just give us the license to find oil in our own Cross River Basin, partner with international corporations to exploit it. After all, hydrocarbon is getting old fashioned and in eight years from now, no one will talk about it,” the governor said.
Highlighting other investment opportunities in the state, Ayade disclosed: “As you bring your core investors to join us to create a presidential diversification, I want to draw your attention to the fact that Cross River State already has an amalgam of industries and opportunities which profile we have already prepared and waiting for investors.”
The Governor further disclosed: “We have a large portfolio of investment opportunities in Cross River State. We have great potentials in almost every aspect, from industry to agriculture.”
Speaking while declaring open a one-day Investment Summit organised by the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, Ayade also disclosed that the state was willing to take over the dualisation of major entry points of federal roads into the state capital, stretching from Tinapa junction to Odukpani with an interchange.
He announced that “the design for the new road and an aesthetically designed interchange was completed and already dispatched to Abuja. I trust the Minister of Niger Delta, our son will ensure that it gets the necessary attention over there for approval.
I am happy to hear from the Minister that finally, our memo is receiving Presidential attention.”
On his part the Minister of Niger Delta, Pastor Usani Uguru Usani, said the aim of the summit was to get all the stakeholders in the development circle on a single track to synergise and galvanise ideas that will foster rapid development of the zone.
He called on investors to take advantage of the business friendly climate in the state and identify possible areas of collaboration, assuring that the Federal Government was ready to support genuine investors who pitch their tents in the region, particularly, those that will touch on the lives of ordinary citizens.
While calling on investors to quickly identify areas of partnership with the state as the Federal Government through its various financial institutions is ready to support them, Usani added: “Please be committed because Cross River is peaceful and stable for you to invest.”

Friday Nwagbara, Calabar

Niger Delta

Make God Your Anchor To Fulfill Destiny, Cleric Charges Christians … As Jaja Marks 70th Birthday

Published

10 hours ago

December 5, 2025

The Tide

The Lead Pastor at Jesus Appointed People’s Bible Church, Ozogbe, Ikwerrengwo-Etche, in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State, Pastor Promise Nwaelele, has urged Christians to make God the anchor of their lives in whatever position they find themselves, in order to attain the destinies set for them by God.

Pastor Nwaelele, who gave the charge recently in a sermon he preached at the 70th birthday anniversary thanksgiving service of Sir Donald Michael Jaja, a veteran journalist in Rivers State, said this is because any genuine child of God is a permanent target for destabilization and destruction by the devil.

Taking his text from the Bible book of Mark 4:16-17, the preacher stated that fulfilment in life for a child of God required faith, obedience to God’s word, humility and grace to withstand trials and temptations.

According to him, temptations and afflictions are bound to happen in the lives of those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

“No wonder the Bible said that those that endure till the end shall be saved”, he said.

The Clergyman said God prospers believers who are humble, not proud and conceited, and leads them to destiny fulfilment.

“David said in Psalm 51:17, that the sacrifices acceptable to God are a broken spirit, not an impatient or proud spirit”, the preacher said.

He called on Christians not to allow persecutions and afflictions to sway them from the love and blessings of Jesus Christ.

On his part, Jaja, a seasoned Journalist who retired as an Acting Editor of the Rivers State Government-owned The Tide Newspaper, gave thanks to God for honouring him by giving him the grace of attaining 70 years.

“I cannot capture what the good Lord has done for me in my entire life in this fleeting moment of thanksgiving. But, I know that without Him, I wouldn’t have been who I am today, in all spheres. Therefore, my joy knows no bounds as I give thanks to my creator today, alongside my family. Praise be His holy name”, Jaja said.

Niger Delta

Remember Me As Fighter Against Sexual Harassment – UNICAL VC

Published

11 hours ago

December 5, 2025

The Tide

The outgoing Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar (UniCal), Prof. Florence Obi, has said she will want to be remembered for fighting sexual harassment and delayed results.

Obi made the remark recently at an event in Calabar, organised by the university to mark the end of her five-year tenure as the 11th substantive Vice Chancellor of the institution.

It would be recalled that Obi, whose tenure expired on November 30, was appointed Vice Chancellor on September 10, 2020, but officially assumed office on December 1, 2020.

She said her commitment to protecting students, especially the female ones, remained one of her greatest achievements as Vice Chancellor.

She said, “I fought against sexual predators and ensured timely release of students’ results to curb frustration within the institution.”

While expressing fulfilment at completing her tenure and thanking God for enabling her finish strong after five years in office, she said she would return to the classroom because teaching remained her passion.

Earlier, she addressed staff and students outside her office during a carnival-like, marching out parade in her honour, thanking them for their support throughout her administration.

She also encouraged them to support her successor to enable him to succeed and take the university to greater heights.

“This institution has recorded significant growth and I am confident that my successor will advance the progress already made”, she said.

The Tide’s source reports that under her leadership, the largest solar power plant in Cross River State was built in UniCal, ensuring stable electricity for the university and its teaching hospital.

Other achievements included upgrading the Faculty of Education to a College, getting Mass Communication accredited and elevated to a Faculty.

Her administration also constructed new hostels, introduced departmental scholarships, built a fire service station, and completed the Law Faculty complex.

Niger Delta

Oborevwori Presents N1.664tn 2026 Appropriations Bill

Published

13 hours ago

December 5, 2025

The Tide

Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oboreveori, on Wednesday, presented the 2026 Appropriation Bill of N1.664 trillion to the State House of Assembly.

Presenting the bill during plenary of the Assembly in Asaba, Oborevwori said, “I wish to announce a budget proposal of N1.664 trillion for the services of Delta State Government in 2026.”

He said the amount comprised the sum of N499 billion, representing 30 per cent of total budget for Recurrent Expenditure, and N1.165 trillion representing 70 per cent of total budget for Capital Expenditure.

The Governor added that the 2026 budget size indicated an increase of N685 billion, or 70 per cent over the 2025 Appropriation.

He also said sources of funds for the 2026 budget as proposed would be mainly from statutory allocation, internally generated revenue, mineral derivation, and Value Added, Tax among others.

Giving breakdown of the budget proposal, he said the state was earmarking N450 billion for road projects across the state in the 2026 fiscal year.

He said, ”A well-developed road infrastructure is a catalyst for economic growth.

”It facilitates easy movement of goods and services, reduces transportation costs, attracts investment, and improves access to markets and thereby boosting socio-economic development and generating employment opportunities.

”Agriculture is key to economic diversification and sustainable development.

”We shall continue to devote considerable attention and resources to fast-track developments in the agricultural sector towards enhancing food security in Delta State.

”This will also enable economic diversification, promote self-reliance, and generate employment opportunities.”

The Tide’s source reports that the sum of 10 billion has been earmarked for the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources in the 2026 Budget.

Oborevwori, who is the immediate past Speaker of the Assembly, commended the House for its partnership and urged members to expedite consideration and passage of the budget to sustain ongoing development momentum.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building “a prosperous, secure, and stronger Delta where no one is left behind.”

In his remarks, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Mr. Dennis Guwor, commended Oborevwori’s administration for the steady strides recorded under the “Renewed Hope for MORE Agenda”.

”Over the past year, we have witnessed sustained investments in critical infrastructure, impactful social interventions, prudent fiscal management of resources, and strategic initiatives aimed at promoting peace, security, and economic stability across the State”, he said.

Guwor also commended the Governor for approving the Consolidated Legislative Salary Structure (CONLESS) and initiating the construction of permanent offices for the Assembly Service Commission.

He assured the Governor of the Assembly’s resolve to undertake a thorough and timely review of the appropriation bill, stressing that the Legislature remains committed to people-centered governance, accountability, and equitable development.

“Your Excellency, I want to assure you that the entire Members of this 8th Assembly are united behind your vision for the transformation of the State.

”While our roles in government are distinct and protected by the Constitution, our objectives remain aligned; delivering the greatest good to the greatest number of the people of the state”, he stated.