Niger Delta

Ex-Labour Leader Laments Pensioners’ Fate

Published

12 years ago

May 7, 2014

The immediate-past Chair
man of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Cross River State, Mr Njom Nyambi, has described the conditions of pensioners in the state as poor and alarming.
Speaking on the plight of pensioners Sunday in Calabar.
Nyambi said that before he retired, he used to think that complaints by pensioners were being exaggerated but now he knew better as a retiree, yet to get his gratuity.
“I told the Governor during the 2014 May Day celebration that I have not been paid my gratuity. “It is unfortunate that after working for 35 years for government, one finds himself in such a situation,’’ he said and urged those in positions of authority to do something to change the situation.
“We know that those in government are Politicians; they should know that retirees are supposed to be treated well,” Nyambi said.
The labour leader advised those still in service to prepare well for retirement, adding that life outside was difficult.
“I want them not to think that there is still time. When you say there is still time in the civil service, you may well end up not getting anything. “As a civil servant, whatever you get, eat and keep something for the rainy day, because when you retire, it may be very difficult to eat and keep yourself and your family, he added.

Niger Delta

Independent Power Project: Diri Urges Bayelsans On Patience … Expresses Confidence In Technical Partners, BECL MD

Published

15 seconds ago

January 9, 2026

The Tide

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has sued for patience on the ongoing installation of the state’s new independent power project.

The Tide gathered that the 60-megawatt gas turbine project, which installation commenced in October, 2025, was earlier scheduled to be completed by December but suffered logistics related delays.

The Governor called on people of the state to have an open mind about the project, which he said now requires a new completion date due to unforeseen challenges.

The Tide reports that the State’s Chief Executive, who undertook an on-the-spot-assessment of the project at Elebele in Ogbia Local Government Area on Wednesday, said like other citizens of the state, he was also disappointed that the December completion deadline could not be met.

He, however, stated that his reaction to the delay had been that of understanding rather than being angry as had been noticed, particularly on the social media.

“You can see I’ve gone round the whole facility. It was based on the working agreement and information available at my disposal that I gave the December date. But as it is with every human endeavor, we must all have an open mind when it comes to issues, particularly technical matters like this.

“I am as disappointed as any other Bayelsan because I believed that we were going to celebrate the 2025 Christmas with our own independent power, but it turned out not to be so.

“I call on Bayelsans to have an open mind. These technical experts are working virtually 24 hours, but delays like this will certainly come”, he said.

He implored the people of the state to appreciate the work of the engineers, stressing that a minor mistake was capable of jeopardising the millions of dollars expended on the project.

“For 29 years Bayelsa has been in darkness or has endured epileptic power supply. Now that we are getting close to the day of liberation, some people have become impatient.

“Let us not behave like the proverbial tortoise in the prison for years that asked to be released immediately as the place was smelling the moment he knew it would regain freedom the next day”, the Governor added.

The Bayelsa Governor gave a thumps up to the technical partners, Jampur Group, and its team on ground as well as the Managing Director of the Bayelsa Electricity Company Ltd, Engr. Olice Kemenanabo, saying they were working round the clock to ensure the job was completed.

“Those who have been following me on this inspection would know that work has not stopped even for one day since it started. I am sure the job is more than 90 per cent complete. So, let us hold our fire.

“Engineer Olice, I am not putting you under any pressure. From the reports I have, Olice is one of the best electrical engineers in Nigeria”, Diri said.

The Governor hinted that the government was looking at inaugurating the project during its sixth anniversary in February.

The MD of the Bayelsa Electricity Company Limited, Kemenanabo, who also spoke, said the state was on the right track towards actualising the project and assured that the alignment of the entire system, including the gas generator and alternator were on course.

He also stated that the remaining two turbines would be delivered to the project site in a few days.

Speaking on behalf of the Jampur Group, Mr. Sherrif Abu-Anif said the company was in good position to meet its own end of the bargain and appreciated the state government for playing its part very well.

Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa

Niger Delta

A’Ibom Unveils Industrial Park For Manufacturing

Published

7 days ago

January 2, 2026

The Tide

The Akwa-Ibom State Government has announced the completion of its industrial park which is well equipped with modern amenities to fast-track entrepreneurship that would create hundreds of jobs in the state.

Located on a 250-hectare facility with a dedicated customs checkpoint and a logistics hub, it has reduced the cost of moving goods to port by up to 30 percent.

The State Governor, Umo Eno, made this known while declaring open the 18th Annual General Meeting of the Cross River/Akwa Ibom States branch of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) in Uyo, the state capital.

He said in the state’s portal, which he described as a “one-stop-shop”, the state government has streamlined company registration, tax incentives and permits, adding that since its launch, the average time to obtain a business licence has fallen from 45 days to just 7 days.

“In partnership with the Nigerian Institute of Industrial Engineers and local universities, we have introduced a dual training programme that places 2000 youths annually in apprenticeships within manufacturing firms, ensuring a pipeline of skilled labour tailored to industry need”, he said.

The Governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Iniobong Ekong, said the state’s industrial policy 2024-2029 offers a 5-year tax holiday for new manufacturing enterprises, a 50% reduction in electricity tariffs for energy-intensive plants, and a matching grant scheme for research and development projects that has achieved a 15% increase in productivity.

He urged MAN to “partner with the state government by investing in the industrial park, tap into our incentives and bring your innovation to our shores.

“Together we can create a robust ecosystem where raw materials are transformed into value-added products, jobs are generated and our economy diversifies beyond oil.

“To the Federal Government, we seek continued support in the form of fiscal measures that encourage local production as well as the swift implementation of the national industrial policy which aligns closely with our state initiatives.”

In his welcome address, the Branch Chairman of the association, Inalegwu Adoga, lauded the governors of the two states for their commitment to improving infrastructure, stabilizing the business environment, enhancing security, and supporting local enterprises which, he said, has gone unnoticed.

“The manufacturing community deeply appreciates the platforms you have created to make both states more attractive for investment and industrial growth”, he said.

In a goodwill message, the Zonal Coordinator of Nigeria Agribusiness and Agro-industry Development Initiative (NAADI), Howard Usen, expressed readiness to ensure a robust agribusiness and agro-industrial development across the country, particularly in the resource-rich South-South region.

“We recognize that the future of Nigeria’s economy is intrinsically linked to a strong manufacturing sector, especially one that leverages our abundant agricultural resources”, Usen said.

Niger Delta

Oborevwori Weeps over Senator’s Death

Published

7 days ago

January 2, 2026

The Tide

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has described the death of Sen. Peter Nwaoboshi as a great loss to the State, the Anioma nation and Nigeria at large.

In a condolence message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Festus Ahon, on Friday, Oborevwori said Nwaoboshi was a proud son of Delta and a courageous defender of the Anioma cause whose contributions to nation-building would remain indelible.

He recalled the late senator’s impactful service at the National Assembly, where he chaired the Senate Committee on Niger Delta Affairs.

The Governor said his voice and advocacy for the development of the Niger Delta and Delta State stood him out as a committed and passionate leader.

“Nwaoboshi’s political journey and rise to prominence were anchored on a rich political pedigree, selfless service and unwavering commitment to the ideals of democracy, which also saw him serve meritoriously as a two-time Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State.

“The late lawmaker devoted his life to the service of his people, the party and the nation, leaving behind a legacy of courage, loyalty and dedication to public service”, he said.

Oborevwori, said: “On behalf of the government and people of Delta State, I mourn the passing of my dear friend, Senator Peter Onyelukachukwu Nwaoboshi.

“I extend my heartfelt condolences to his immediate family, the people of Anioma nation, members of our great party, the All Progressives Congress, and all those whose lives he touched.

“I pray that Almighty God grant his soul eternal rest and give his family, friends and associates the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss”.