Niger Delta
Wike’s Dev Strides, A Testimonial -Tam-George
Teneh Beemene
The Rivers state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Dr. Austin Tam-George, has described the development strides and achievements of Governor Nyesom Wike, within two years in office, as a testimonial of administrative excellence.
The commissioner made the remark at Government House, Port Harcourt, yesterday, during the commissioning of the reconstructed Brick House, and the dedication of the Chapel of Everlasting Grace as a worship centre for the government.
Tam-George, who described the remodeled brick House as an important symbol of authority, pointed out that the building, which was constructed in 1928, has been restored to its former glory after it was abandoned for years by the previous administration.
Commenting on the new chapel and worship centre, the commissioner disclosed that the centre will serve as a spiritual anchor for the government, noting that the decisions of the Wike-led administration are inspired by God.
Tam-George further assured that the Wike government will not renege on any of its promises to the people of Rivers State, but continue to be committed to the principles of accountability and transparency in service delivery.
He emphasized that all the governor needs to succeed was the unflinching support of the people of the state.
Speaking on the internal schism within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the commissioner stated that such disagreements were not unbecoming of any organization, but averred that, the party’s interest must supersede personal interest in any circumstance.
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The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, has urged students in tertiary institutions across the Niger Delta to embrace their civic responsibilities by registering for and obtaining their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
Ogbuku made the call at the launch of Project New Nigeria and a voter registration sensitisation programme organised by the Foundation for Citizens Empowerment in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, where he was represented by the NDDC Director of Social Services, Engr. Jeremiah Oritsejolone.
Describing the PVC as a critical tool for democratic participation, Ogbuku said it empowers citizens, especially young people, to influence governance and elect leaders who reflect their aspirations.
“The Nigerian youth remain the heartbeat of the new Nigeria we seek. Their energy, creativity and voice will determine the nation’s trajectory.
“However, for that voice to count, they must obtain their PVCs. It is through this process that they can shape decisions, influence leadership and demand accountability”, he said.
He added that the act of voting reflects citizens’ belief in the country’s potential for growth and progress, urging students to take advantage of the opportunity ahead of forthcoming general elections.
The NDDC boss further reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote civic awareness and youth empowerment, noting that the agency has sustained various transformation and capacity-building programmes across the region.
Earlier, the Convener of Project New Nigeria, Mr Samuel Okani, said the initiative was designed to complement government efforts at deepening democracy through voter education and civic orientation.
According to him, the programme, which is being implemented in universities across the Niger Delta, aims to broaden students’ understanding of the electoral process and encourage active participation.
“We are engaging students across institutions in the region to sensitise them on the importance of collecting their PVCs and participating in elections. This is one of the ways young people can influence governance and contribute to economic direction,” he said.
Okani expressed optimism that the initiative would be sustained in the years ahead to strengthen democratic values and youth inclusion in governance.
The Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwore, has urged corps members to participate in all programmes designed to instill discipline, resilience, and the practical knowledge required for a productive service year for a purposeful future.
Oborevwore said this on Friday at the Opening Ceremony of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) 2026 Batch ‘A’ Stream Il Orientation Course held at the NYSC Orientation Camp, Issele Uku.
The Governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Kingsley Emu, said this is an opportunity to strengthen themselves.
“An opportunity to tell yourselves that this is the last chance you have to be protected by the government.
“As a student, you enjoyed a lot of immunity. As corp members you are still going to enjoy a lot of immunity and after NYSC you are on your own, therefore, you must prepare to face the world.
“My dear corps members, as you embark on this national assignment, uphold the highest standards of discipline, integrity, and patriotism.
“You stand at the threshold of a defining phase, one that calls for service, sacrifice, and meaningful contribution to national development.
“Embrace this experience, build friendships, deepen mutual respect, and strengthen the unity that remains the cornerstone of our nationhood.
“Delta State is peaceful, welcoming, and rich in opportunities. I urge you to make your service impactful and to leave your host communities better than you met them.
“Be law-abiding, respect the customs of your host communities, and conduct yourselves as worthy ambassadors of this great nation. The future of Nigeria is, indeed, in your hands”, he said.
He, however, urged corp members to be serious in their Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development, saying that it was the key to fostering self-reliance and reducing dependence on white-collar jobs.
While noting that he was aware of the infrastructural challenges within this camp, he assured that the state government was taking deliberate steps to address these gaps.
“The construction of a perimeter fence to enhance security and the upgrade of critical facilities, these will receive priority attention”, he said.
The NYSC State Coordinator, Mr. John Kwange, commended the Governor for his consistent and unwavering support to the NYSC scheme.
“The reconstruction of the camp’s perimeter fence, construction of the internal road network, and reticulation of water, among other projects, have greatly enhanced the security of lives and property, while also significantly improving the overall camp infrastructure”, he said.
He urged corps members to participate actively in all camp activities and abide by the rules guiding the orientation course.
“It is important to inform our corps members that the three-week orientation course is carefully designed to equip you with the necessary skills and right values for national development.
“The course is aimed at instilling discipline, leadership values, perseverance, humility, and endurance in all participants, with a view to promoting unity in diversity through peaceful coexistence”, he said.
The State Coordinator disclosed that a total of 2,611 corps members, comprising 1,203 males and 1,408 females, were registered.
Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and the people of Bille Kingdom in Degema Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers State have called for government’s urgent intervention to end the suspected underwater gas eruption in the community.
The groups, under the aegis of the Environmental Rights Action and Social Action, made the call during their advocacy visit to the Port Harcourt Zonal Head of the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), in Port Harcourt.
The Programme Manager of Environmental Rights Action, Mr. Kentebe Ebiaridor, said the visit was to seek clarity on the response efforts of the regulators to the development in the community.
Ebiaridor expressed concern over what he described as “inadequate response from regulatory agencies and the government concerning the incident”.
He said discussions with some officials revealed that there was still no clear timeline for action to address the situation.
According to him, in the absence of clear ownership of the facility linked to the incident, companies operating within Oil Mining Lease (OML) 18 should be held accountable.
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) had in a statement issued on March 20 by its Chief Executive, Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, said the commission had commenced an investigation into a gas bubbling incident in Bille Community.
Eyesan said the commission expressed concern over the development and assured residents of its ongoing efforts to address the situation.
Also, the Resource Justice Manager of Social Action, Dr. Prince Edegbuo, warned that the situation could escalate into a public health emergency, if urgent steps were not taken.
Edegbuo called on relevant authorities to release the results of the tests reportedly conducted in the area, stressing that residents had the right to know the condition of their environment.
He also said CSOs were prepared to intensify advocacy on the matter, urging the development of emergency response measures, including possible evacuation plans.
A legal practitioner and community stakeholder, Mr. Commission Deinbo, had, on March 20, said residents had continued to witness unusual signs on the waterways in the area.
Deinbo said the signs included boiling and bubbling from the ground and river, sometimes within residential areas, as well as fire outbreaks, which the residents had always managed to contain.
He appealed to relevant authorities to come to their aid and find a lasting solution to the problem.
In a response, the Port Harcourt Zonal Head of NOSDRA, Mr. Bello Augustin, assured the community that he would relate its concerns to the appropriate quarters.
Augustin also commended the CSOs for their advocacy and concerns to community development in the state.
By: Wokoma Emmanuel & Theresa Frederick