Niger Delta

PINL Mulls Synergize With NDLEA Against Drug Abuse

Published

2 months ago

November 24, 2025

Oil and Gas surveillance firm, Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL), has indicated interest in partnering the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on the sensitisation of youths in the region against drug abuse.

The company said the sensitisation would help curb the growing menace of drug abuse and addiction amongst youths in the region, which has led many into actions that threaten peace and productivity in the Eastern Corridors of the oil and gas industry.

General Manager, Community and Stakeholders Relations of PINL, Dr. Akpos Mezeh, disclosed this at its November stakeholders meeting with host communities of the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) which took place in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.

Dr. Mezeh said the decision by the company followed request by stakeholders at its previous meeting, stressing that the sensitisation will be carried out in conjunction with the NDLEA.

“The training would help to strengthen discipline and patriotism amongst young persons in the region”, he said.

The Tide gathered that the PINL’s planned synergy with the anti-narcotic agency is in line with its strategic engagement policy with relevant stakeholders in the fight against vandalism and oil theft in the oil rich Niger Delta region.

“We heard the appeal from our royal fathers regarding drug abuse and youth moral reorientation. The training would help to strengthen discipline and patriotism amongst young persons in the region.

“PINL had initiated discussions internally on the launching of a joint awareness campaign with NDLEA to sensitize youths on drug abuse, security ethics, and productive behavior.

“This initiative will help strengthen discipline, patriotism, and responsible conduct among our young people”, he said.

He further informed the stakeholders that the surveillance firm has engaged the services of town criers to ensure proper and timely dissemination of information on activities around the Trans-Niger Pipeline (TNP).

The PINL official said their key responsibility would be to enhance communication and intelligence flow around the 215 TNP host communities in Rivers, Bayelsa, Imo and Abia States, adding that their engagement was part of key recommendations by the communities at the last stakeholders meeting.

“Two town criers per community, one man and one woman, have been officially launched. Their responsibilities include disseminating verified information, supporting sensitization efforts, enhancing early-warning intelligence, acting as communication bridges between PINL contractors and community structures”, Mezeh added.

Giving the scorecard of its activities in the last one month, Mezeh said the company has ensured uninterrupted production on the Eastern Corridor by maintaining zero-infractions on the TNP, thus sustaining increase in crude oil and gas production in the corridor.

He informed the stakeholders that in October to November, Bayelsa State recorded no case of vandalism in its operational areas.

On security, he said pipeline vandalism attempts reduced by over 87% compared to 2022, stressing that, “Our surveillance operations and mandate have been extended to cover all oil and gas facilities in a proximity to TNP.

“Community-based intelligence increased from 10.5% to 68%, reflecting deeper trust and stronger cooperation with traditional rulers, youth structures, and contractors”, the firm stated.

While attributing the feat to increased stakeholders engagement and collaboration among the company, its contractors and the communities, Mezeh also informed the Bayelsa stakeholders that Biseni Clan of the state has been fully incorporated into its operations, while some other communities have been submitted to the NNPCL and Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) for consideration and approval.

On its corporate social responsibility programmes, the company announced that 2000 women from the communities who are beneficiaries of the PINL’s Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) support scheme have been reached, while their data capturing and account opening formalities are ongoing, adding that they were now awaiting disbursement of fund which, he said, will be done before the end of the year.

He also noted that the firm’s action on its scholarship scheme is 97 percent completed, and disbursement also expected before year ending, promising that in the future, PINL would be more committed in ensuring adequate protection for the country’s national assets and transparency in all its activities.

“As we advance into the final quarter of 2025, our commitments remain firm to sustain zero pipeline infractions across our corridor, expand youth and women empowerment as strategic drivers of peace and productivity, strengthen collaboration with ONSA, NNPCL, traditional institutions, and security agencies, advocate for the renewal of critical infrastructure, particularly roads affecting operations, and upholding transparency and accountability in all projects, from scholarship disbursement to women empowerment”, Mezeh added.

While lauding the support from the host communities, he solicited for further cooperation from the chiefs, youths and women in ensuring that all national assets in the communities are protected.

Speaking at the meeting, Chairman of Ijaw National Congress (INC) Central Zone, His Royal Highness, Chief Theophilus Moses, commended the company for its commitment to community development through its corporate social responsibility programmes and job creation.

He pledged the support of INC in curbing oil theft and vandalism in the Eastern Corridor

“We appreciate the commitment of the management of PINL to our community development. Let us work together to uplift our people, promote progress and ensure prosperity for all.

“We will support PINL in ending pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft in the Eastern Corridor. INC will continue to collaborate and work together for the sustainability of jobs creation for our youths, our people in our communities and, of course, those mini-infrastructures, as well as your social corporate responsibilities that’s impacting so well in our communities will be supported at all times”, he stated.

On his part, Chairman of Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council, His Majesty, King Bubaraye Dakolo, called on the government and the oil companies to be deliberate about development in the Niger Delta, insisting that it would bring lasting peace in the region.

“I want Nigeria to understand that all of what’s going on concerning oil and gas is because there is no deliberate effort to ensure developments in the creeks.

“Those who have the oil are not having sufficient access to the refined product and that’s the problem. Once that’s adjusted, prices will normalize and there will be no need for pollution and breaking of pipelines anymore”, the monarch said.

He lauded the company for helping to restore their environment through its vigorous fight against pipeline vandalism.

Also speaking, the Director General, Bayelsa State Youth Development Centre, Comrade Robert Igali, challenged youths of the state to be development-driven and to maximize the opportunities created by the company, such as the scholarship and empowerment schemes to better their lives.

In his speech, the Head, Field Operations, Eastern Corridor, Project Monitoring Office, Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), Engr. Akponine Omojevwe, urged the communities to maintain their collaboration with PINL to sustain its positive rating and to ensure maximum output on the TNP.

“In as much as their operations is ongoing, from the Project Management Office, we want to plead that the royal fathers, the youth leaders, the CDC chairmen always give them the maximum support that they need, because without the communities and your collaboration with them, they can’t excel”, he appealed.

By; Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa.

News

King Jaja Impacted Beyond Rivers -Deputy Gov

Published

1 day ago

January 23, 2026

The Tide

Rivers State Deputy Governor, Professor Ngozi Odu, has poured accolades on late Amayanabo of Opobo, HRM Dandeson Douglas Jaja V, saying his footprints went beyond the State.

Speaking during a condolence visit to the wife of the late king, Prof. Odu said the late monarch contributed meaningfully beyond the shores of Rivers State.

“He contributed not only to Opobo, not only to Rivers State, but to Nigeria as a nation. We all know the various positions he held until his passing. For us as a Commission, we are really going to miss him greatly, especially at this time when his guidance was most needed,” she stressed.

She described the late king as a distinguished traditional ruler whose life and service contributed immensely to the development of Rivers State and Nigeria at large.

The deputy governor, who also serves as Chairman of the Rivers State Boundary Commission, noted that until his demise, King Jaja was an Ex-Officio member of the Commission, representing Rivers South East Senatorial District.

According to her, the late monarch actively participated in several meetings of the Commission and played an important advisory role.

“He actually participated with us in a couple of meetings. It was with great shock that we received the news of his passing. We saw daddy as someone who was very strong, healthy and athletic,” Prof. Odu said.

Prof. Odu explained that the Commission relied heavily on the wisdom of traditional rulers like the late monarch to ensure that its responsibilities were carried out properly and conscientiously.

She assured the family of the Commission’s continued support, saying they will remain close to the family throughout the burial arrangements and beyond.

Addressing the widow, Queen Prudence Dandeson Douglas Jaja, Prof. Odu said the visit was to commiserate with her and encourage her during the period of mourning.

“Please accept our condolences. Please be strong and put your hope in God. The God who watches over widows will never abandon you,” the deputy governor prayed.

“We cannot question God. What has happened has happened. All we can do is to pull ourselves together. That is why we are here to pray that the Holy Spirit will strengthen you, that God will turn your sadness into joy and clothe you with a garment of beauty,” she added.

Responding, Queen Jaja described her late husband as a gentle, humble man who was deeply committed to the progress of Rivers State, and Nigeria at large.

She expressed gratitude to the deputy governor and other members of the Boundary Commission for identifying with the family in their moment of grief.

“We are praying that his soul will rest in perfect peace. I thank you very much for coming to console me at this trying moment. Seeing you here has given me comfort. God bless each and every one of you,” she said.

She also offered prayers for the delegation, wishing them a long life and good health.

Highlight of the visit was the presentation Letter of Condolence from the Rivers State Boundary Commission to Queen Jaja.

Kevin Nengia

Niger Delta

Former Bursar Savours Leadership Merit Award

Published

1 day ago

January 23, 2026

The Tide

The former Bursar of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Rumuolumeni, Port Harcourt, Dr Davis Ojima, has expressed delight over the Leadership Merit Award recently presented to him by Ohiauga Community in Igburu Clan in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, describing it as a befitting crowning moment in his life.

Dr Ojima, who made the remarks while speaking with newsmen shortly after receiving the award, said it was an endearing milestone to be considered by his community for that rare honour, and expressed gratitude to the community for recognising his modest contributions to the development of the area.

The former Bursar, who is still in active public service, noted that the honour done to him came at a time when he least expected it, and thanked God for the rare privilege, as well as providing him the opportunity, the enabling environment and zeal to contribute his quota to the development of the area.

Dr Ojima, therefore, assured the people that he would remain committed to promoting peace, unity and sustainable development initiatives in the community.

Niger Delta

IYC Ex-Mobilization Director Picks Publicity Scribe’s Form … Pledges Diligence

Published

1 day ago

January 23, 2026

The Tide

Former Director of Mobilization of the umbrella Ijaw youth group, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) and Technical Adviser to the Bayelsa State Governor on Media and Public Affairs, Wisdom Oniekpar Ikuli, has picked nomination form to contest for the position of Publicity Secretary in the March 6th, 2026 National Executive Pouncil polls of the apex Ijaw soci-ocultural organisation, the Ijaw National Congress (INC).

In a press statement by his media team, Ikuli said he was vying for the position to create a better and enduring legacy for the Ijaw nation, promising to serve with diligence and respect for the Ijaw nation when elected.

He noted that nobody from any other ethnic nationality in the world can tell the true Ijaw story more than the Ijaw people themselves, saying over the years actions and inactions of the Ijaw nation have been misconstrued and mistaken for something else.

The statement read in parts: “Over the years, we, Ijaws, with the richest history, have allowed others to tell our history. In doing so, they have mutilated and doctored our history.

“They present Ijaws as beggars even when, as the richest tribe in the Nigerian state, we have continued to feed the entire country of over 350 tribes and ethnic groups since 1956, when crude oil and gas were discovered in commercial quantities and quality in Ijaw land.

“In human history, Ijaw people have never been conquered by any of our neighbours, not even the European explorers and adventurers and later colonialists.

“The Europeans were trade partners of Ijaws when civilization was still far from many tribes, yet they portrayed Ijaws as victims and conquered people.

“Ijaws are the most hospitable people. It is only in Ijaw land that visitors feel very comfortable and safe without fear of food poisoning, betrayal, or death. Ijaws treat visitors as families and great assets. Ijaws do not joke or gamble with relationships with outsiders. Yet, they erroneously describe us as unfriendly people.”

Ikuli added that Ijaws are some of the most peaceful humans on earth, yet others portray them as violent and very hostile people, noting that at times people from other tribes deliberately distort and bastardize history and happenings in the Ijaw land so as to gag Ijaws.

“At times people of other ethnic groups want to stop us from telling the story of our contributions to the peace, unity, growth, and development of the country. Despite our immeasurable sacrifices, they make us feel very insignificant and unappreciated.

“Ijaw is the fourth largest tribe in a country of over 350 tribes and ethnic groups that were hitherto independent nations, empires, emirates and kingdoms before the amalgamation of Northern and Southern protectorates, yet they portray us as minority.

“How can the fourth largest tribe in a country of over 350 tribes and ethnic groups be a minority?”, he queried.

The aspirant alleged that the endless balkanization of Ijaw territories were fruitless attempts to weaken the Ijaw nation and destroy her greatness and Ijawness, saying that the Ijaw nation has some of the best brains in the world, yet citizens of the ethnic group are being portrayed as lazy, unproductive, and unsuccessful.

“Oftentimes people from other ethnic groups portray us as very lazy, just to deliberately seek to make us lose our self-esteem and self-confidence. Ijaws have some of the richest cultural heritage, yet they try to portray us as inferior beings.

“As far back as the 12th century, when many were still struggling with the issue of self-consciousness amidst identity crisis, Ijaws were already a very organized and highly formidable people.

“Ijaws can boast of one of the oldest democracies in the world. I call it ‘Ijaw Traditional Democracy’.

“As far back as the 12th century, when the first European explorers and adventurers, precisely Portuguese, arrived Ijaw land, they discovered that Ijaw societies, our great kingdoms, were living well organized lifestyles.

“We had Amanyanabo-in-Council, Ebenanaowei-in-Council, Pere-in-Council, and others who worked in great synergy with community paramount rulers. While our kings served as today’s judiciary, our regular gatherings at town squares, now town hall meetings, served as legislature and executive, while able bodied men and warriors served as army and police.

“So, Ijaws had very organized and prosperous villages, towns, and kingdoms.

“It was the well organized systems in Ijaw land that made the British Crown and their various trade merchants and agents to sign several trade partnership agreements and treaties with many Ijaw kingdoms.

“Before the advent of crude oil and gas, Ijaw communities boasted of sufficiencies in terms of food, timber, palm oil, and others. As a matter of fact, as far back as the 18th century, palm oil from Ijaw land dominated the European market.

“Ijaw Nation, which is one of the oldest and greatest tribes in the African continent, has the richest history, yet they deliberately denigrate, demonize, and portray Ijaws in very bad light in order to destroy our Ijawness.

“Multitudes admire our rich cultural heritage in secret, but condemn and speak against it in public. They deliberately do this to make us hate and even reject our natural endowments and heritage. It is time to tell the Ijaw rich history to the world. It is time to speak naked and undiluted truth to power.

“Throughout my service to the Ijaw Nation as the National Director of Mobilization and Chairman, Action Committee of the most revered Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide, and even as Acting President of the IYC Worldwide, there is no record anywhere that I collected a dime from any public office, company or individual in the name of Ijaw struggle. I only fought for employment opportunities, which I shared among the zones.

“At the age of 49, no individual can accuse me of betraying or stealing a dime belonging to another person.

“I have consciously lived a decent, honest, and sincere lifestyle that has never betrayed public trust. I promise and assure the Ijaw Nation that I shall serve diligently to the best of my knowledge and ability as the National Publicity Secretary of the most revered Ijaw National Congress (INC) and I will make the Ijaw Nation proud as its image maker”, he stated.

Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa