TheNewsGuru

Tag: Niger Delta

  • JTF stops burning illegal refineries

    The Joint Military Force (JTF) in the Niger Delta, says it has adopted environmentally friendly methods in combating oil theft and illegal refining in the region

    Brig.-Gen Kevin Aligbe, Land Component Commander of the joint force code-named “Operation Delta Safe,” disclosed this on Sunday in Yenagoa.

    Alighe said that troops of the command had introduced the use of swamp buggies in destroying illegal refineries as opposed to setting the camps ablaze.

    He said the force used special equipment to crush the accessories and materials used at illegal refining sites.

    He further said that the method had made it economically unviable for such sites to spring up again after raids by the joint force.

    The commandant noted that the adverse impact of pollution caused by illegal refineries was enormous.

    He commander said that some people’s perception that the destruction of illegal refineries was doing damage to the environment was erroneous.

    Aligbe said it was the processes in the illegal refining that actually degraded the Niger Delta environment.

    According to him, the crude distillation process used by illegal refineries is inefficient and causes a pollution of the environment.

    He said that only 30 per cent of the volume of crude stolen by illegal refiners is converted to products.

    The commandant said the remaining 70 per cent was wasted and dispersed in the surrounding environment near the camps.

    “Our operations are always carried out with the environment in mind; we deploy methods that are environmentally friendly and safe and we do not burn stolen crude as believed in some quarters.

    “In fact, burning of products either refined or crude is out of question because it is the evidence that is required to prosecute the suspects that are arrested during raids of illegal refineries.

    “We seize the products and after using them as evidence they are disposed in accordance with the oil industry safety regulations.

    “We are conscious of the fact that the environment sustains the people’s livelihood.

    “The damage that illegal refineries do to the environment is colossal and that is part of the reasons we are fighting to stamp it out.

    “The operators are fighting back and we remain resolute,” he said.

    Aligbe noted that the joint military force was committed to its mandate of safeguarding oil facilities and preventing sundry criminalities in the region.

    The commandant said that the aim was to pave way for economic progress and solicited the support of Niger Delta people.

     

  • Gov. Wike bags Power of Sports award

    Gov. Wike bags Power of Sports award

    The International Sporting Press on Wednesday in Brussels, Belgium, honoured Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike with the Power of Sports award.

    He was nominated by the International Sports Press Association-Africa (AIPS) Africa.

    Witnessed by Sports Personalities and Journalists from across the globe, the award to Governor Wike was for his his remarkable fidelity in raising the bar of sports matters and using sports as a catalyst for development.

    The Event took place at Le Plaza, Brussels and was performed by the President, AIPS, Mr Gianni Merlo and President, AIPS Africa, Mr Mitchell Obi . Sports Journalists from 108 countries witnessed the event.

    Presenting the award to the Rivers State Governor, President AIPS Africa, Mitchell Obi said Governor Wike is being recognised for the use of sports as a tool to effectively engage the youth population in the continent.

    He urged Governor Wike to sustain his commitment to sports development as more youths will be empowered in the state.

    In his acceptance speech, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike dedicated the award to God, his immediate family and the good people of Rivers State who have supported his efforts at creating a New Rivers State.

    Governor Wike noted that the award by the International Sporting Press will spur into greater commitment to the service of Rivers State and humanity.

    Also on Wednesday, Governor Wike presented a lecture titled: “Peace and Progress through Sports in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria” wherein he canvassed that sport has functions beyond its simplest form as a game to encompass a cost effective means for addressing a broad range of socio-economic challenges that impact on peace and human progress.

    He said: “Arguably, there is no social activity that can match the role sport plays in breaking down barriers, bringing people together across nations, promoting understanding, positively engaging the energy of youths and in mobilizing support for social causes.

    “Therefore, event at the simplest level, sport not only improves the mental and physical health of participants; it also helps to inculcate such timeless values as honesty, hard work, obedience, respect, team work, discipline, and leadership in the youths.

    “And as you know, these are all useful values for creating peaceful and progressive societies as well as for achieving national peace and basic development goals, including poverty reduction”.

    He said that States in the Niger Delta region recognize the special power of sports for promoting peace and development in the region.

    The governor noted that in addition to sports policies, Niger Delta States all have ministries or departments exclusively responsible for sports development.

    He said: “As a result of these efforts at sports development, our country’s national sports teams are always dominated by sports men and women from the region, who are competing with the rest of the world and bringing laurels to Nigeria.

    “Apart from giving hope for a brighter future, unemployed youths are also getting increasingly engaged and empowered through the various sport platforms the region has provided.

    “These engagements have successfully turned most of our youths away from violence and other anti-social behavior, and thereby enhancing peace and progress at different levels of society”.

    Governor Wike said that in the last three years years of his administration, the Rivers State Government has invested in local and international football development, national and international wrestling competitions, Polo, golf and the development of critical sports facilities.

    He said: “I wish to reiterate our resolve to continue to tap the benefits of sport to advance social cohesion, peace and progress in Rivers State, the Niger Delta, and the, as well as across Africa.

    “May I therefore use this opportunity to call on international donor organizations, sports charities, as well as the private sector to support our efforts with facilities, training and sponsorship.”

    PDP National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, Senator Osinakachukwu Ideozu , Senator Lee Maeba, Senator George Thompson Sekibo, Administrator of Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority, Ambassador Desmond Akawor, Attorney General of Rivers State, Mr Emmanuel Aguma (SAN), Commissioner of Sports, Mr Boma Iyaye, Majority Whip of Rivers State House of Assembly, Mr Evans Bipi, Special Adviser on Politics and Strategy, Dr Gabriel Pidomson, Chief Glory Emeh, Executive Assistant, Research and Documentation, Dr Jacob Beredugo witnessed the presentation.

     

  • PENGASSAN wants FG to address environmental pollution in Niger Delta

    The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has called on the Federal Government to curb the activities of illegal refineries and subsequent environmental pollution in Niger Delta region.

    Mr Fortune Obi, the National Public Relations Officer of the Association, made this call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Wednesday in Abuja.

    He said that the activities of illegal refineries in Rivers and other states in the region had affected a lot of lives and environment due to inhalation of emissions from pollution.

    “I want to appeal to the Federal Government that the issue of environmental pollution taking place in Niger Delta area, is an issue that must be addressed urgently.

    “Government should implore all stakeholders, government agencies and security outfits to come to the aid of the people, they are dying gradually of the situation condition caused by illegal refineries.

    “One activity that is not being checked by the government, presently is illegal refinery activities that is causing the emission and people are inhaling it on a daily basis, we need the government to intervene urgently,’’ he said.

    He pointed out that lives of the peoples are precious, so, the government should curb the illegal activities in the area.

     

  • Nigerian Navy pledges support for grassroots sports in Niger Delta

    Nigerian Navy pledges support for grassroots sports in Niger Delta

    The Nigerian Navy has pledged continued support for grassroots sports in host communities as part of plans to curb youth restiveness and insecurity in the Niger Delta.

    Commodore Idi Abbas, the Commander of Naval Anti-Piracy Task Group, Port Harcourt, gave the pledge on the side-lines of a friendly football match organised by the Navy in Port Harcourt on Monday.

    The football match between personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder and Osklean Football Academy Rumuolumeni ended in a draw.

    Abbas said the match was organised to improve fitness of troops; address youth restiveness and promote peace in its Rumuolumeni, the host community.

    “The NNS Pathfinder organised the football match to keep our personnel fit, knowing fully that it is only when the personnel are fit that they will effectively deliver on the job.

    “The other reason is to further foster that cordial relationship of officers and ratings of the base and the host community.

    “This is just the beginning and it is hoped that other games would be looked into with participation of the host community.

    “By doing this, the naval base will get to know its host community and the community members will also get to know their own neighbours,” he said.

    Abbas said there are plans to expand the games to feature other sporting events like volleyball and basketball, saying that the base had excellent sporting facilities to host future games.

    The commander advised the participating teams to use the game to sharpen their skills to stand a chance of representing the country in further sporting events.

    Also speaking, the Paramount Ruler of Rumuolumeni community, Eze Ndubueze Olumeni, commended the Navy for organising the games with the host community.

    He said that community members had always looked forward to socialize with the naval base since it came into the community 25 years ago.

    “This is a naval base and not a civilian environment, and so, it has been difficult for our people to feel free to enter here for any activity.

    “We appreciate this type of event and we hope that if we continue like this; our relationship will improve and everyone will be happy for it.”

  • NDDC insists on completion of on-going projects

    The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has re-stated its resolve to complete all on-going projects across the Niger Delta region within the limits of funds available to it.

    The NDDC Executive Director Projects Engr. (Dr) Samuel Adjogbe, re-echoed the commitment when he led a team of directors and engineers to inspect the emergency repair of Umuelemai-Agbaja Road in Isiala Mbaino Local Government Areas of Imo State.

    Last week, the NDDC Managing Director, Mr Nsima Ekere, accompanied by other directors of the Commission, also inspected the construction of internal roads in Umueze 1, Ehime Mbano, including the road connecting Obolo in Isiala Mbano to Ehime Mbano LGA.

    Engr. Adjogbe underlined the economic benefits of community roads and reaffirmed the commitment of the NDDC management to construct quality roads that would enable rural dwellers evacuate their farm produce to the urban centres.

    He expressed satisfaction with the performance of the contractor, adding that NDDC would continue to encourage indigenous firms to progressively improve on their capacity to deliver quality projects for the benefit of the people.

    The Executive Director urged the community leaders in the area to support and cooperate with the contractor to ensure that there were no hindrances to meeting NDDC’s target date for completing the project.

    Engr. Adjogbe expressed satisfaction with the quality of work at the Umuelemai-Agbaja Road. He, however, queried the absence of signposts to indicate that the project was being executed by the NDDC.

    He also inspected the completed multi-purpose civic centre at Umueze 1, where he was briefed on the outstanding external works and the requirements for furnishing.

    The Project Manager of the Umuelemai-Agbaja Road, Engr Emmet Dooley, assured that the project would be completed soon, stating that asphalting would be finished within two weeks.

    A former member of the Federal House of Representatives, Chief E.E Osuagwu lauded the NDDC and the Federal Government for putting smiles on the faces of people through the provision of critical infrastructure. He said that the communities would be praying for the success of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration.

    Similarly, the co-coordinator Imo State Development Council, Chief Theodore Anosike, commended the current NDDC board for building quality roads for rural communities, noting that it had made it possible for people in several communities to drive to their villages.

     

  • Maritime University take-off fulfilment of Buhari’s promise – Presidency

    The Presidency has said commencement of academic activities at the Maritime University, Okerenkoko, Delta State is part of fulfilment campaign promises made by President Muhammadu Buhari.

    Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Laolu Akande, who made this known in a statement yesterday, said the Buhari’s administration is committed to develop the Niger Delta in line with its new vision for the region.

    The presidential aide said the Maritime University commenced lectures for the 2017/2018 academic year yesterday and that a total of 196 students have so far been accepted into the University to commence their academic programmes.

    TheNewsGuru reports the Maritime University was granted approval in January by the National Universities Commission (NUC) to commence undergraduate degree programmes effective from the 2017/2018 academic session.

    According to Akande, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) had also listed the University in its Central Admissions Processing System in January 24, 2018, while interviews for academic staff positions were conducted between 1st and 2nd of March, 2018.

    “The NUC had approved that academic activities commence in three faculties namely; Transport, Engineering and Environmental Management, with a combined total of 13 departments with various specializations – from Marine Engineering, Marine Economics to Climate Change, Fisheries and Aquaculture,” he said.

    It would be recalled that President Buhari had approved an increase in the take-off grant allocated to the University from the N2 billion earlier announced to N5 billion.

    “This sum was included in the 2018 budget presented to the National Assembly in November 2017.

    “Similarly, an additional N1 billion was approved by the President to support essential infrastructure works and staff recruitment in the University in November 2017,” Akande said.

    Following the commencement of operations in 2017, the University had, in November 2017, invited job applications for academic staff with advert placement in major national dailies.

    Also, the Delta State government had donated two 500KVA generators to the University.

    “Following President Muhammadu Buhari’s meeting with leaders of Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) in November 2016, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, was delegated to undertake a tour of the oil producing communities in 2017; and the take-off of the Maritime University was one of the major requests tabled before the Federal Government,” Akande quoted.

     

  • Silicon Valley-based org brings digital learning to Niger Delta

    Silicon Valley-based org brings digital learning to Niger Delta

    The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) says it is collaborating with a Silicon Valley-based organization to revolutionize education and learning in the entire Niger-Delta Region.

    NDDC Managing Director, Mr. Nsima Ekere, made this known when Senator Ibok Essien, the Founder of Ritman University, Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, and the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Celestine Ntuen paid him a courtesy visit in his office at the Commission’s headquarters in Port Harcourt.

    “We are collaborating with a Silicon Valley-based organization called the Digital Learning Network and they are coming with partners like Microsoft. The idea is to replace the hardcopy textbooks that we have in primary and secondary schools, convert them into digital formats,” Ekere said.

    According to him, each student in secondary and primary schools would be given tablets and laptops that would contain all the textbooks that they need and all the learning instructions and manuals.

    The NDDC boss told the visiting officials that the Commission also will partner with Ritman University in setting up a youth development centre.

    Ekere noted that the vision of the university, with respect to developing the capacity of students to be self-starters, tallied with that of the NDDC, stating that it was important that young people were given quality education that would prepare them to be self-employed.

    “We must be concerned about the quality of education that we are giving to our youths in the Niger Delta. This is a region that is beset with a lot of difficulties and challenges. Youth restiveness is very common in the region and unemployment has reached alarming proportions,” he said.

    Ekere said that the plan for a youth development centre was the kind of contribution that would teach the young ones how to be entrepreneurs and employers of labour. According to him, “it keys into the vision of the current board and management of the NDDC”.

    He said that experience had shown that there was need to develop a special kind of programme that would lead to sustainable livelihood for the youths. “We had trained 23,000 people over the years and they were given starter packs. Unfortunately, some of them sell the starter packs and return to the ranks of the unemployed,” he said.

    The NDDC Chief Executive Officer said that one of the ways the Commission was tackling the problem was through the establishment of enterprise hubs, for which it was partnering with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria, SMEDAN.

    He observed that SMEDAN had 23 Industrial Development Centers, IDCs, nationwide and four of the centers were located in the Niger Delta. However, he regretted that all the centres had since closed down.

    Ekere stated that NDDC recently signed an agreement with SMEDAN to convert the IDCs to enterprise hubs and innovation centres because the region was blessed with the best of brains. He added: “The idea is that we will start with one of the IDC’s in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, but ultimately, our intension is to see that all the IDCs owned by SMEDAN in the Niger Delta region are revamped and revitalized.”

    The NDDC boss stressed the need to prepare the youths to face the new world and be competitive with graduates from all over the world.

    Earlier, the Founder of Ritman University, Senator Essien, expressed satisfaction with the development efforts of the NDDC over the past 18 years. He stated: “The region which was hitherto abandoned has been made to come alive with the numerous infrastructure and human capital development spread all over the region.”

    He appealed to the Federal Government to release the outstanding funds owed the NDDC to enable it continue to execute its development projects across the region.

    In his presentation, the Vice Chancellor, Prof Celestine Ntuen, said that Ritman University was determined to change the character of teaching and learning in the country. “We want train students with creative ideas and impart the right type of education which will make them self-starters,” he said.

    The Vice Chancellor said that the goal of the university was to train men and women who would transform Nigeria. He added: “We want to help in building a skilled workforce for our industries. We need to develop functional citizens to help in reducing restiveness. We want to produce graduates that will add value to the society.”

     

  • Microsoft, NDDC, others take e-learning to primary, secondary schools in Niger Delta

    The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Microsoft and other Silicon Valley companies in U.S. have begun an e-learning project to revolutionize education in the Niger Delta.

    The Managing Director of NDDC, Mr Nsima Ekere, said this on Monday while speaking with State House Correspondents after the organization presented the model to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    According to Ekere, the project is aimed at bringing the Niger Delta youth up to date with the rapid technological changes taking place in other parts of the world.

    “We had a meeting with the Vice President and we made a presentation to him on a project which in our estimation will revolutionize education and learning in the entire Niger Delta region and in the country.

    “In these days where the world is changing very rapidly, e-learning, e-trading and e-solution is the way to go.

    “And so we come with a project to replace the hard copy textbooks that we have for learning in primary and secondary schools, convert them into digital format.

    “And each of the students in the primary and secondary school will be given tablets and laptops that will contain all the textbooks, all the learning instructions and learning manuals that they need and then prepare them to face the new world and be competitive with graduates from any part of the world.

    “That is exactly what we are proposing for the Niger Delta.’’

    According to Ekere, the Vice President is supportive of the programme.

    He said it was a vendor-funded project and none of the Niger Delta State governments or the NDDC would spend its money on it.

    “We are working with a company called Digital Learning Networks, part of the Silicon Valley in the U.S., and they have come with partners like Microsoft and the Black Centre.

    “And so it is a vendor-funded project; they are funding it 100 per cent.

    “So this project is going to be delivered to the entire Niger Delta region at zero cost to NDDC or to any of the state governments,’’ the NDDC CEO emphasised.

    Pressed further to give the cost of the gigantic project Ekere stated that the organizations involved would have a better idea of how much it would cost “but for us it is not going to cost any of the state governments anything.

    “It is totally vendor-funded and they have already worked out the financial model.

    “Deloite is the financial partners on this and they have actually worked out the financial model in that this is a project that can be delivered without cost to the Nigerian government.’’

    On the New vision for Niger Delta and how NDDC was keying into it he said the e-learning project was in line with the new vision for the Niger Delta that President Muhammadu Buhari had.

    “This is part of the new vision; it is a new way of doing things; it is a new love for the Niger Delta people as shown by the president,’’ he stated.

    He said the Commission was doing a lot of things in the President’s vision.

    “We are part of the inter-ministerial committee that is being chaired by the Vice President on the Niger Delta and I am sure you have seen our work plan and the other things that we are doing in that project.

    “Yes, this is part of it,’’ he added.

     

  • Breaking: Buhari fires Amnesty Coordinator, appoints Prof. C. Q. Dokubo in stead

    President Muhammadu Buhari has fired Brig.-Gen. Paul Boroh (retd.), the Coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme for former Niger Delta militants, and approved the appointment of Professor Charles Quaker Dokubo in his stead.

    This is contained in a statement by Buhari’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina.

    In addition to the firing, Buhari also directed the National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno, to carry out a full investigation into the activities of the Amnesty Programme from 2015 to date.

    The President said the investigation should focus on allegations of financial impropriety and other acts that are allegedly detrimental to the objectives of the programme.

    “President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the appointment of Professor Charles Quaker Dokubo as the new Coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme for former Niger Delta militants. He replaces Brig.-Gen. Paul Boroh (retd.).

    “Meanwhile, the President directs the National Security Adviser to carry out a full investigation into the activities of the Amnesty Programme from 2015 to date, especially allegations of financial impropriety and other acts that are allegedly detrimental to the objectives of the Presidential Amnesty Programme,” the statement read.

    TheNewsGuru reports Prof. Dokubo is currently Director of Research and Studies at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs.

    He holds a PhD in Strategic Studies from the University of Bradford, United Kingdom, and hails from Abonema, Akuku-Toru Local Government of Rivers State.

     

  • FG set to establish 2 modular refineries in Niger Delta

    The Federal Government is making progress on the establishment of modular refineries with the arrival of one set of package shipment already in the country and undergoing Customs clearance.

    The Niger Delta Inter-Ministerial Committee, chaired by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, informed members at its presentation meeting in Abuja that the refinery would be installed in Delta.

    A statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the Vice President on Saturday indicated that another set of refinery equipment would arrive the country in April and would be installed in Rivers.

    The operation of the modular refineries would include the involvement of communities where they are located.

    Osinbajo said this would ensure that communities benefit directly from the refineries which would help create jobs and engage youths in the region.

    NAN recalls that in December 2017, the Inter-Ministerial Committee received a report that 38 licensed privately-financed greenfield and mini-modular refineries’ investors had so far indicated interests in the establishment of refineries in the region.

    At that event, no fewer than 10 of the licensed investors were at an advanced stage of development.

    Also, the NDDC reported at the meeting its progress in the implementation of its projects in the region.

    It stated that in 2017, a total of 372 projects covering roads, bridges, electricity, water, amongst others, were completed by the commission.

    The development projects include the 25.7 km Nembe-Ogbia road, which would be inaugurated soon; the construction of Otueke Internal roads in Ogbia LGA, Bayelsa; Kira Dere Mogho road and Bridge in Gokana LGA, Rivers.

    It also includes the construction of Iselu-Okaigben-Idung-Boko-Onicha Ugbo road, in Edo/Delta States; the Orie Ukwu Amaoji market road, Isiala Ngwa North LGA, Abia State and the Ashikem-Ufono-Betwaswan road in Obudu, Cross River.

    The Commission is also working with all related parties, including AMCON, to ensure the establishment of 6,000 barrels per day Amakpe modular refinery to be installed in Eket, Akwa Ibom State.

    The NDDC said it had established Job Placement centres expected to engage about 208,000 youths in the Niger Delta.

    To help reduce unemployment and youth restiveness in the region, the NDDC centres would match existing vacancies with available skills within the region.

    On the progress of Ogoni clean-up, the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) under the Ministry of Environment, is set to commence the procurement process for contracting experts for the remediation and clean-up of impacted sites.

    This process is open to competent national and international companies involved in environment, water and livelihood projects.

    The final draft of the Strategic Implementation Work Plan (SIWP), which provides a framework for the development of the Niger Delta, was also submitted to the committee.

    Meamwhile, the Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko, Delta, is set to admit students into the institution for the 2017/2018 academic year, and start lectures in April.

    A total of 196 students have so far been accepted into the University while 76 applications were pending.

    President Muhammadu Buhari had approved an increase in the take-off grant allocated to the University from the N2 billion earlier announced to N5 billion

    This sum was included in the 2018 budget presented to the National Assembly in November 2017.

    Similarly, an additional N1 billion was approved by the President to support essential infrastructure works and staff recruitment in the University in November 2017.

    The Delta State Government has also donated two 500KVA generators to the University.

    The Maritime University was granted approval in January by the National Universities Commission (NUC) to commence undergraduate degree programmes in three faculties namely: Transport, Engineering and Environmental Management, beginning with 13 departments from the 2017/2018 academic session.

    In attendance at the meeting were the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Usani Uguru Usani; Minister of State for Environment, Ibrahim Jubril; and the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Mr. Nsima Ekere.

    Also in attendance were the Director-General, Nigeria Maritime Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dakuku Peterside; and the Special Adviser to the President on the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Brig.-Gen. Paul Boroh (rtd).

    Others include the Executive Secretary of NUC, Prof. Adamu A. Rasheed; the Vice-Chancellor of the Maritime University, Prof. Mrs. Ongoebi Etebu; and representatives of other relevant MDAs.