Niger Delta

Dickson Rates Diri High

Published

3 years ago

December 28, 2022

Immediate past Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Seriake Dickson, has expressed satisfaction with the performance of his successor, Senator Douye Diri.
Dickson, who represents Bayelsa West in the Senate, stated this, Monday, when Governor Diri paid him a Yuletide visit at his Toru-Orua country home in the Sagbama Local Government Area of the State.
Governor Diri was accompanied on his visit to the ex-Governor by his Deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, the lawmaker representing Ekeremor State Constituency 1, Tari Porri, the state Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman, Solomon Agwanana, the party’s caucus Chairman in Kolokuma/Opokuma LGA, Chief Isaac Kumokou, and other party chieftains.
Others who were part of the governor’s yuletide visit to his predecessor were traditional rulers from Kolokuma/Opokuma and top government functionaries.
Dickson said he was very pleased with the governor’s commitment towards completing projects inherited from his administration, especially the Sagbama-Ekeremor Road and the ongoing work on the two other senatorial roads in Bayelsa Central and Bayelsa East.
He thanked the governor for the visit, which, according to him, was now a tradition as he made a similar visit last year, noting that Governor Diri has pioneered a culture in the state’s political history by recognising and according him much respect.
He stressed that such positive gestures would be etched in the minds of their political followers.
Senator Dickson cautioned those fabricating rumours of discord between him and his successor, saying this was counter-productive to the political stability of the state.
“Let me say that I am pleased with the work you are doing. With the road projects you have continued, our communities are now being connected.
“Specifically on this very important project (Sagbama-Ekeremor road) that we toiled for and is a major infrastructure agenda on which we were elected.
“Let me also thank you for your thoughtfulness in pioneering this visit, which for me is a tradition. I recall how the governor made last Christmas memorable for me and we were very pleased to receive you.
“This tradition we have started, I believe it is one of the benefits of the experiments that led to the emergence of this government.
“An experiment in the sense that after eight years, the Governor and the system deciding on succession, pushing it hard, even when they stole it, God gave it back to us.
“In Bayelsa, rumours fly rapidly. I am sleeping in my house and doing my work in Abuja but people are fabricating different stories. I am used to it”, the former Governor said.
The Senator further described the Governor as a man of experience, having served in other capacities before assuming office, assuring that he was still available for advisory roles.
Speaking earlier, Governor Diri said the visit was primarily to consolidate on the bond between him and his predecessor, stressing that nothing can separate them as leaders.
He disclosed that as a mark of sustaining the legacies of Senator Dickson, his government has continued the construction of projects inherited in a bid to promote continuity in governance.
“This visit, for me, is more like strengthening the bond that I and our leader (Dickson) share. There is nothing that can separate us.
“To buttress that fact, one of the the major projects you took over from the Federal Government under the NDDC, which is the Sagbama-Ekeremor Road, has been going on smoothly under my watch and it remains one of my priority projects to be completed by the Government you handed over to.
“Our state will continue to get stronger, more united and we will develop faster and further than when we met it”, Governor Diri said.
The Bayelsa Chief Executive called for a minute’s silence in honour of the late Senator Inatimi Rufus-Spiff, who passed on, on Christmas eve.
Until his death, the deceased was Chairman of the State PDP Reconciliation Committee and caucus Chairman in Brass Local Government Area.
He was also a former Secretary to the Rivers State Government and one-time Commissioner for Education in Bayelsa State.

By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa

Niger Delta

Oborevwori Launches Medical Outreach For Children With Special Needs

Published

1 day ago

February 16, 2026

The Tide

The Wife of Delta State Governor, Mrs. Tobore Oborevwori, has launched a free medical outreach for children with special needs in Delta South.

The event, which attracted scores of caregivers, medical professionals, and government functionaries, took place at Dom Domingos College, Warri.

It was organised by the governor’s wife’s pet project, “You Matter Charity Foundation”, in partnership with the State Ministry of Health.

In a speech at the event, Oborevwori said the initiative sought to promote public awareness about autism and other notable infants’ developmental conditions.

She said the programme also aimed ”to eliminate stigma and encourage inclusion of persons living with disabilities.”

According to her, the outreach is structured to cover the state’s three senatorial districts.

She noted that the programme took place earlier in Ughelli, Delta Central, where beneficiaries received medications and assistive devices, including educational materials to support learning among children with special needs.

Oborevwori, who thanked residents and local government chairmen in Delta South for their cooperation, also commended the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, and medical teams for their dedication to the success of the programme.

She admonished parents and caregivers to continue to show patience, compassion, and understanding towards children with special needs.

The Tide’s source reports that health workers from the ministry and Primary Healthcare Development Agency participated in the programme.

In her remark, the Director-General of the foundation, Mrs. Lawrentta Ogbedo, said the outreach would reduce financial pressure on families that have children with special needs.

She underscored the importance of early diagnosis and consistent medical attention for such children.

The Chairman of Warri South LGA, Mr. Isaac Agbateyiniro, thanked the governor’s wife for the initiative, and described her kind intervention as ”timely and beneficial to struggling families”.

Also, the Chairman, Post Primary Education Board, Mr. Samuel Mariere, applauded the foundation’s effort in extending support to children with special needs in society.

Mariere said the programme had provided hope and practical support to many households.

The source reports that the event featured free medical consultations and treatment for children.

Also, health experts delivered talks on autism awareness, care strategies, and social acceptance.

Participants were also enlightened on the legal protections against discrimination for persons with disabilities.

Other highlights included the distribution of wheelchairs, medications, and assistive materials, among other items, to the beneficiaries.

Niger Delta

UniCal Commits To Nursing Education Dev In C’River

Published

1 day ago

February 16, 2026

The Tide

The Vice Chancellor, University of Calabar (UniCal), Prof. Offiong Offiong, has reiterated the institution’s commitment towards supporting the growth of nursing education in the state.

Offiong, who made the statement recently in Calabar when members of the Basic Nursing and Midwifery Sciences Certificate Affiliation Committee visited him in his office, said as a federal university located in Cross River State, the institution would remain committed to the development of the state and the wellbeing of its residents.

The Vice Chancellor said UniCal would strategically collaborate with the state government to ensure improved healthcare education, professional training and standards.

“I commend the state government for expanding nursing institutions, this development has stimulated youth interest in health-related careers.

“We shall revisit the affiliation process to ensure compliance with national and international academic standards,” he said.

Offiong continued that curriculum review, adequate academic staffing and strict quality assurance measures would be given priority attention in the process.

He urged the state government to provide logistics support to students undertaking clinical postings in health facilities.

Leader of the delegation, Dr. Henry Ayuk, congratulated Offiong on his appointment as the Vice Chancellor of the university.

Ayuk, who’s also the Commissioner for Health in the State, commended the university for its contributions to the growth of the health sector.

He said the Bassey Otu-led government was committed to deepening collaboration with the university in order to strengthen nursing education and healthcare delivery.

The team leader expressed optimism that the partnership would boost professional training, institutional development and healthcare outcomes in the state.

Niger Delta

Agency Demolishes Illegal Roadside Structures In Delta N8 by … Clears Street Traders

Published

1 day ago

February 16, 2026

The Tide

The Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency has commenced the removal of illegal roadside structures and street traders across Asaba.

The enforcement drive targeted areas where traders and makeshift stalls have taken over roads, walkways and drainage channels.

Speaking during the exercise, the Director-General of the agency, Mr. Patrick Ukah, said the action was necessary due to the growing safety concerns caused by unchecked roadside trading.

Ukah said the action formed part of a broader urban renewal programme aimed at improving sanitation, reducing traffic congestion and enhancing road safety.

He noted that the activities had disrupted traffic flow and exposed motorists and pedestrians to avoidable dangers.

According to him, the agency’s action is not directed at individuals but aimed at restoring order and enforcing existing regulations.

Ukah warned that the agency would not tolerate activities that deface the capital or threaten public safety.

He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to maintaining a clean, safe and orderly capital, saying a well-managed Asaba remains vital to the image of the state and its development.

Urging affected traders to relocate to approved government markets across the city, Ukah said the operation would continue and might be extended to other locations if violations persist.

Major locations affected include Akpu Junction, Marble Hill Junction, and the Arcade near Ogbeogonogo Market.

The Tide’s source reports that in addition to dismantling illegal structures, the agency intensified sanitation efforts along major roads.

Special attention was given to the Mammy Market and Traffic Light axis of Asaba to sustain cleanliness.

The agency’s Head of Environment, Mr. Isaac Nwosu, said the teams would ensure compliance and prevent a return of illegal roadside activities.

Nwosu called on residents and traders to support the agency by adhering to environmental regulations.