Nation

Group Seeks Contaminated Soil Management Centre In Ogoni

Published

3 years ago

June 30, 2021

The Ogoni Liberation Initiative (OLI) has called on the Federal Government to build a contaminated soil management centre of excellence in Ogoni land in Rivers State.

It said in a 24-point communiqué issued at the end of a summit held in Bori, that the decayed and polluted Ogoni environment should be comprehensively cleaned-up, restored and continually managed to stem further degradation.

“Decades of spills and pollutions caused by oil exploration and exploitation have impacted negatively on our people, and there should, therefore, be a health audit in Ogoni land and consequent establishment of medical research institute there.

“Ogoni people are ready to participate in all forms of business with the state and federal governments as well as international corporations for the development of our land, provided the businesses are anchored on Ogoni development,’’ the communiqué stated.

The summit, tagged, “Ogoni Economic Recovery, Industrial Development and Investments’’, had investors’ representatives from Nigeria, Kuwait, Turkey, Dubai, the United states of America, Canada, and Japan, in attendance.

Before the communiqué was issued, Mr Steven Barreru, who spoke on behalf of the team of investors. said those polluting the environment anywhere were committing crime, and should be punished.

He said the team was interested in starting with the provision of potable water in Ogoni land, and would immediately sink potable water wells in each community.

He added that the team would also train Ogoni youths in different skills, improve on health and recreational facilities, and requested the support of Ogoni people to actualise the projects.

In his contribution, President of Supreme Council of Ogoni Traditional Rulers, King Godwin Giniwa, commended the team of global investors for their plans, and pledged the support of Ogoni people.

Giniwa, who is also the Gbenemene of Tai Kingdom, assured the team of safety and peaceful environment, and urged Ogoni youths to also support the team for the development of Ogoni land.

The Gbenemene also received a boat gift from one Yousef Ahmod, from Kuwait.

In another address, the Divisional Police Officer in Bori, SP Bako Angbashim, urged Ogoni youths involved in criminal activities to surrender their arms and embrace peace, saying that they should cooperate with the investors to develop Ogoni land.

PDP’s Politics Of Dev, Transforming Rivers’ Communities, Wike Affirms

The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, says it is a disservice for political leaders to overlook the infrastructural and socio-economic needs of their people and pursue their selfish ambitions.

Such orientation in politics, Wike noted, always sets the community and a greater percentage of the people backward, politically.

The governor made the assertion at the flag-off ceremony for the re-construction of Mgbuitanwo community road by Senator Gabriel Suswan, last Monday, in Emohua Local Government Area.

Wike spoke of how important the Mgbuitanwo Road project was to his administration and the people.

He pointed out that the road project would stand as an undeniable evidence of the difference between a pro-people approach of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the egocentric posture of the All Progressives Congress (APC) politicking.

Nation

VCDF in Partnership with LDSVA Sensitise Women on Gender Equality, Financial Literacy & Entrepreneurship

Published

1 day ago

May 3, 2024

The Tide

Women, the pillars of our society, are resilient and determined as they play essential roles in nurturing families and leading businesses. Despite facing challenges like limited financial resources and unequal opportunities, they persist, inspiring generations and driving positive change.

In honour of Women’s History Month, Vcare for Development Foundation (VCDF), in collaboration with Sterling Oil Exploration & Energy Production Co. Ltd. (SEEPCO) and the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (LDSVA), embarked on a transformative journey to empower 100 community women, focusing on sexual and domestic violence prevention, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship, on March 27, 2024, in Eti-Osa LGA, Lagos State.

When women are empowered, they become catalysts for progress, influencing not only their own lives but also the lives of their families and those around them. The programme gave the women the opportunity to acquire knowledge on tools that can help their businesses grow, also providing a safe space for women to learn and connect with others, making them feel more confident and capable in making decisions for their businesses.

Distinguished guests present at the event were Mrs. Bello Oluwakemi, Head of the Field Operations Department, Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (LDSVA), Chief Mrs. Eletu-Odibo Wasilat, Community Development Committee Chairman of Eti-Osa LGA, Lagos State, and Mrs. Adenike Akintoye, Head of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Unit, Eti Osa LGA.

While giving her feedback, Chief Mrs. Eletu-Odibo Wasilat said, “community-driven efforts like this initiative are instrumental in driving sustainable change and enabling women to realise their full potential.”

Mrs. Bello Oluwakemi noted during her closing remark, “training women in our communities will improve their livelihoods and contribute to household income, thereby leading to better standards of living.”

This collaborative initiative aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – Gender Equality (SDG 5) and Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10), which aim to ensure everyone is treated equally and reduce differences between people.

VCDF will continue to educate and empower women for a greater inclusion in society, supporting their advancement and ensuring their meaningful participation in all spheres of life. Together, let us continue to champion the cause of women, celebrate their achievements, and pave the way for a brighter and more equitable future for all.

Nation

Ibom Developers Supports 160 Women with Skill Acquisition Training in Akwa Ibom

Published

1 day ago

May 3, 2024

The Tide

Empowering women with vocational skills is a vital step towards fostering gender equality and inclusive growth in society. This effort involves equipping women with practical expertise that can be applied across various aspects of life, including professional, personal, and entrepreneurial settings. Ibom Developers’ recent initiatives to provide skill acquisition training to women in its host communities aim to help them thrive in society.

On April 8, 2024, Ibom Developers commenced its ongoing skill acquisition training programme, themed ‘Virtuous Women’ in Egwenwe and Okoroinyong communities.
Dignitaries, including His Royal Highness Chief Johnson J. Osiba (Ijongo IV), the Okaama of Egwenwe Community; Mr. Warribo Isaiah, Community Development Chairman, Egwenwe Community; Pastor Johnson Christian Ubulom, Youth President, Egwenwe Community; Mrs. Catherine Monday Ogbofork, Women Leader of Egwenwe Community; Mrs. Sarah Evans Nfeija, Health Officer, Egwenwe Community; and representatives from Okoroinyong community, were present at the inaugural event.

This skill acquisition programme aims to empower 160 women in these communities with expertise in catering, packaging, hairdressing, wigging, ventilation, and styling. The program took place from April 8 to April 20, 2024, at Egwenwe Town Hall and Okoroinyong Town Hall in Eastern Obolo LGA, Akwa Ibom State, imparting essential entrepreneurial skills to the women in the communities.

During the inaugural event, Chief Johnson J. Osiba (Ijongo IV), the Okaama of Egwenwe Community, expressed, ‘‘This empowerment initiative will provide our women with the autonomy and decision-making power they need to become self-sufficient contributors to the growth and development of our community.’’

The participation of women in several economic activities makes their upliftment a potent strategy for economic growth. Their involvement expands the workforce, cultivating heightened innovation and efficiency within the community.

Mrs. Catherine Monday Ogbofork, Women Leader of Egwenwe Community, emphasised, “Access to training tailored to the needs of women allow them to develop specialised skills. I am glad that this programme has offered options that suit our women’s preferences and goals.’’

Acquiring skills for livelihood elevates family status and unlocks entrepreneurial avenues. Ibom Developers is dedicated to promoting entrepreneurship among women and supporting socio-economic empowerment in local communities.