Niger Delta

A’Ibom Partners Shell, Others On 2014 National Schools Science Fair

Published

11 years ago

February 14, 2014

The National Schools Science
Fair, which brings together secondary school students from across the country, will be hosted by the Akwa Ibom State Government this year.
The event is sponsored by Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), Intel Corporation, and Interswitch.
The commencement of the science fiesta was announced at a press conference held in Uyo Akwa Ibom State.
The fair will accommodate pupils from the thirty-six (36) states plus the FCT Abuja and will give them the opportunity to showcase their independent research projects and inventions, as they try to solve the challenges faced in their local communities.
Science teachers who accompany the students to the fair will participate in a one-week Science Educator Academy, where they will learn about current trends in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), including project management and mentoring of young scientists.
SPDC’s General Manager, Sustainable Development and Community Relations, Nedo Osayande said: “We’re pleased to be part of the success of the National Science Fair. We believe that, by encouraging the young ones to take interest in science subjects, we will be laying a solid foundation for the technological development of Nigeria. This has also informed the different educational programmes that SPDC and other Shell companies in Nigeria are implementing in the Niger Delta and throughout the country”.
Country Manager, Intel Nigeria, Olubunmi Ekundare while explaining the mechanics of the competition stated, “We encourage interested students to submit their original research work. The best six (6) projects will qualify to feature at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) which will holds in Los Angeles from May 11-16 2014. Over $4 million in prizes and scholarships will be awarded to winners”.
Also speaking at the conference, Group Managing Director, Interswitch Transnational, Mitchell Elegbe, said that the fair is an excellent opportunity for young Nigerians to exhibit their inherent skills and demonstrate the huge potential the nation offers.
“Interswitch proudly supports the National Festival of School Science Quiz and Fair competition. We remain committed to providing people development platforms that would help young Nigerians play active roles in national development in technology and beyond. This is quite essential as Nigeria strives towards becoming one of the Top-20 world economics by 2020,” he said.
As host to this year’s Fair, Commissioner for Science and Technology, Akwa Ibom State, Engr. Iboro Ekanem, said, “Nigerian students have consistently given a good account of themselves at International Fairs. I am certain that the successful winners of the National School Science Fair will excel at the 2014 Intel ISEF”.

Niger Delta

Delta APC Reaffirms Support For Oborevwori’s Administration

Published

9 hours ago

June 6, 2025

The Tide

The State Executive Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State, Monday reaffirmed its support for the Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori-led APC government in the state.

Chairman of the party in the state, Chief Omeni Sobotie, who led members of the Executive Committee of the APC on a visit to the Governor, said they would continue to support the State Government as it drives the Renewed Hope For MORE Agenda in the state.

Chief Sobotie disclosed that they were at Government House, Asaba, to pledge their solidarity, reiterating that the Governor is the leader of the APC in the state.

“If the Governor, as the leader of the party, tells everyone to queue behind him, who is going to question that? Who would act contrary to that?” he asked rethorically.

“We came to reaffirm our support and pledge our solidarity with the Governor of the state, who is the leader of the APC in Delta”, the State Chairman added.

He, therefore, urged Deltans to continue supporting the policies and programmes of the Oborevwori’s administration, adding that they should expect more with the Renewed Hope for the MORE Agenda.

Albert Ograka, Asaba

Niger Delta

Otu’s Wife Champions Healthcare Access For 500 Elderly Citizens

Published

9 hours ago

June 6, 2025

The Tide

The Wife of the Cross River State Governor, Mrs. Eyoanwan Otu, has sponsored the enrollment of 500 senior citizens, aged 70 and above, into the Cross River Health Insurance Scheme.

The gesture, which covers the premiums of the elderly citizens for two years, targeted the vulnerable senior citizens in the 18 Local Government Areas of the state.

The Director General of the agency, Mr. Godwin Iyala, described the initiative as “a significant milestone in the first lady’s humanitarian outreach”.

According to Iyala, the first lady had already made full financial commitment to cover the 500 beneficiaries for the next two years.

“This initiative prioritises our elderly population, many of whom had spent decades serving their families and communities.

“Her Excellency has once again demonstrated her deep sense of empathy and leadership.

“The ripple effect of this act is far-reaching because when the aged are cared for, families are relieved, and the moral fabric of our society is strengthened”, he said.

He commended Otu for the initiative, describing it as a lifeline for elderly citizens, particularly those in the rural areas, who face significant barriers in accessing healthcare.

Iyala stated that the Agency would begin immediate enrollment of the beneficiaries into the health insurance database, to ensure they begin to enjoy prompt and uninterrupted access to medical services.

He further said that the initiative was expected to significantly ease the burden of healthcare cost to elderly citizens, offering them a renewed sense of dignity and security in their twilight years.

Niger Delta

Denmark Partners NGO On Climate Change Project In N’Delta

Published

9 hours ago

June 6, 2025

The Tide

The Embassy of Denmark in Nigeria, partnering with the Academic Associate PeaceWorks (AAPW), is set to fund a two-year project towards moderating climate change impacts in the Niger Delta.

The embassy’s Senior Programme Manager in Nigeria, Nosakhare Ayejimiwo, disclosed this in a two-day Stakeholders’ Engagement Forum in Yenagoa on yesterday.

The Tide’s source reports that the forum is titled “Policy Dialogue and Exhibition on Green and Blue Economy in the Niger Delta”.

Ayejimiwo said the policy dialogue and exhibition were not only to share ideas but living demonstrations of how partnership and cooperation could lead to real and impactful change.

“One of Denmark’s strategic priorities for engagement with Africa is to increase efforts for climate adaptation, with particular focus on water, forests, and biodiversity, and support for green transition in the continent.

“We are living in a time where climate change is undeniably one of the greatest global concerns of our era.

“Yet, while its effects are felt worldwide, it is communities at the frontline like yours and others in the Niger Delta that bear the brunt of its impacts most acutely.

“The Niger Delta faces unique challenges that demand urgent, thoughtful, and locally relevant responses.

“Denmark’s partnership in this region reflects our strong commitment to supporting solutions that are inclusive, locally-led, and sustainable.

“This project is a shining example of those values in action; it embodies collaboration across sectors and stakeholders”, she said.

In her remarks, AAPW Executive Director, Judith Asuni, explained that the two-year project, implemented by AAPW, would be in four communities.

According to her, the communities are those highly affected by climate change, environmental degradation and piracy in Bayelsa and Delta States.

She added that the communities could potentially develop green and blue economies in their areas.

Asuni said, “The project aims to promote sustainable practices in both marine and terrestrial environments, emphasising conservation and resource management in the Niger Delta region.”

Meanwhile, the state Commissioner for Agricultural and Natural Resources, Prof. Beke Sese, reiterated the mandate of his ministry to produce food for Bayelsa, Nigerians and the world.

He noted that the administration of Governor Douye Diri had concluded that the state was too blessed to be poor or associated with poverty.

However, while attributing the state’s blessedness to its rich vegetation and soil fertility, he regretted that a large amount of food consumed in the state was being brought from outside.

“Our primary focus has been on rice production because Bayelsa State is a natural habitat for rice. So, we are supporting our rice farmers by providing inputs, seedlings and rice mills.

“Our goal is to reduce the cost of rice, and we cannot do that without collaboration with our rice farmers.

“We want to create the enabling environment for farmers to be productive”, he said.