Niger Delta
Diri Exonerates Colonialist, Berates African Leaders For Continent’s Underdevelopment
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has urged African leaders to stop blaming their woes on the colonial era but rather make deliberate efforts to develop their countries.
The State Governor took a swipe at African leaders over the slow level of development of the continent, midweek at the launch of two books titled: “The African Voice” and “Once A Soldier”, at the Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall in Yenagoa, the State capital.
The Tide reports that the two books are authored by the Chairman of the Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council and Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom, King Bubaraye Dakolo.
Diri, who was represented at the occasion by his Deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, noted that institutions such as PABOD Breweries, textile industries, paper mills in Delta and Akwa lbom states, crude oil discovery, Cocoa House were established during the colonial era and wondered why they had become moribund.
The Governor, who stressed the need to do away with policies that create barriers to regional integration and economic development, advised that such policies should be jettisoned to allow for more integration to fast-track development in the continent.
He, however, lauded African leaders for taking steps to establish the African Continental Free Trade Area, which promotes intra-African trade, thereby deepening integration.
“The problem is with us and not colonialism. I don’t believe our predicament is still about the colonial masters. After all, it was not only Africa that was colonized. China, India and America were also colonized. So, why the perpetual cry about colonialism?
“There was colonialism before we had the Cocoa House, oil boom, PABOD Breweries, textile industry in Kaduna, paper mills in Sapele, Delta State and Oku Iboku in Akwa Ibom State. What has happened to those assets?
“I think it is time for us to take a step back and move forward and take right decisions. Look at Nigeria today, we are still talking about state of origin. These are deliberate blocks erected to stifle our progress and integration.
“I believe that the African Continental Free Trade Agreement instituted by African leaders is one best way to trigger development in our own continent”, he said.
While congratulating King Dakolo for his literary feat in producing 3 books within a space of 2 years, Governor Diri said the monarch braced all odds to achieve his goals in life.
He, therefore, urged the youths to emulate the shinning example of the King and stop seeking justice through violence and criminal means.
According to him, the Prosperity Administration has priotized education in order to produce literary icons like Gabriel Okara, Christian Otobotekere and King Dakolo, who all incidentally hail from the same Ekpetiama clan.
In his remarks, Chairman of the occasion, Dr Godknows Igali, said the literary works of King Dakolo underscores the need for the Niger Delta people to reflect on their culture, history and identity as a people and chart a common way forward for sustainable development.
Igali, who is also Chairman of all Pro-Chancellors of universities in Nigeria, noted that traditional rulers were custodians of a people’s cultural heritage and history, describing King Dakolo as an epitome of a 21st century monarch.
He said one of the books King Dakolo authored, “Riddle of The Oil Thief,” captures the discovery and production of crude oil in 1956 till date, and encapsulates the gains and pains of the oil industry.
Reviewers of the book, “The African Voice”, were Dr Ebidenyefa Nikade and Prof. Solomon Ebobrah, Dean of the Faculty of Law, Niger Delta University, while “Once A Soldier” was reviewed by Maj. Gen. Solomon Udounwa represented by the Commander, Joint Task Force, South-South, Operation Delta Safe, Rear Admiral Olusegun Ferreira, and Justice Simon Amaduobogha.
At the launch, which had the Bayelsa First Lady, Dr Gloria Diri, in attendance, King Bubaraye Dakolo read excerpts from his two books and expressed gratitude to the Governor and his Deputy for their support.
King Dakolo, who noted that he started writing while he was still in military service also appreciated guests and well wishers for gracing the event.
The Chief Launcher, High Chief Victor Wayles, of the Wayles Group, represented by Mr. Adam Okoro, made a donation of N5 million while Mr Okoro made a personal donation of N200,000.
Others who made donations include, Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, represented by Pastor, Obeya Oworibo, Interim Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Maj Gen. Barry Ndiomu (rtd) represented by his media aide, Chief Freston Akpo.
Brig. Gen. Mohammed Sadauki Agaie (Rtd) of 38 Regular Course, the Ijaw National Congress, represented by its 2nd Vice Chairman, Chief Nengi James, and Prof. Steve Azaiki, former member representing Yenagoa/Kolokuma/Opokuma Federal Constituency, also made financial donations at the event.
By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa
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Commodore Martins Fakrogha, the Commander, Nigerian Navy Shipyard (NNS), Jubilee in Akwa Ibom, says the navy is winning the fight against crude oil theft and illegal bunkering in the state.
Fakrogha made the expression at the opening of a free medical outreach programme yesterday in Ikot Abasi.
He said the Navy was using both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches in the campaign against crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism and illegal bunkering.
The Commander said the Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, had directed personnel to do everything possible to tackle oil theft, illegal bunkering and vandalism.
“We are doing everything possible to win the hearts of the civil populace. We need them to be in synergy with us. We can partner through intelligence sharing.
“It is our collective duty to tackle crime so that we can all have a safe and secure environment.
“This free medical outreach is our own way of building confidence and aligning with the community around us”, he said.
Fakrogha continued that the outreach was also part of the navy’s corporate social responsibility to residents of the area.
He said residents of the community would be tested for malaria, HIV, blood-sugar and vision.
“They will also enjoy free consultancy services. This is our second free medical outreach for the year”, he said.
Also speaking, the Village Head, Ikot Essien, Ikpa Ibekwe Clan, Eteidung Ufot Nathaniel, commended the Navy for its series of kind gestures to the community.
Nathaniel urged the navy to seek ways providing potable water for the community, saying, “we are in need of safe water”.
One of the beneficiaries, Mr Unah Udoh thanked the navy for the outreach, describing it as well-intended.
The Akwa Ibom State Government says next year would establish one modern healthcare centre each across the 31 Local Government Areas of the State to tackle health issues of the people across the state.
The State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, stated this during the 58th annual general meeting and scientific conference in Uyo .
The Governor, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenye, expressed the hope that the citizens would take advantage of the healthcare centres when faced with health challenges.
He urged the citizenry to understand that government will always take care of her citizens despite the economic challenges, and would not relent.
According to him, Government would do everything possible to provide necessary facilities, while also improving access to healthcare centres where pregnant women across the rural areas can access quality healthcare
The National President, Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria, Prof. Okechukwu Ikpeze, commended the government for the ideology to improve healthcare services in the state.
He said “the conference would provide great platforms and opportunities for members, partners, and other professional groups involved in women health to interact, share ideas, network and push the agenda to the highest level of healthcare for our women through their journey from childhood to reproductive years and beyond”.
He used the medium to inform members that SOGEN house has been upgraded with solar power installation that would provide 24hrs uninterrupted electricity supply.
This, he said , can enable them host workshops, training and other activities in SOGON house, “making us very much visible and better branded”.
The Chairman, local organizing committee, Prof. Emem Bassey, said they are thrilled to gather the best minds in obstetrics and gynecology to share knowledge, innovation and experience that would shape the future of women’s healthcare in Nigeria and beyond.
Christopher Tom, Uyo
The Edo State Chapter of Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN) has congratulated Mr. Monday Okpebholo on his inauguration as the Governor of the state following his victory in the last governorship election.
The miners said the victory was an indication of the confidence the people of Edo have in his capacity to take the state to a greater height.
This is contained in a statement by Mr Mike Okhumode, Chairman and Mr Fatai Jimoh, Secretary of the association issued in Benin yesterday.
They appealed to the Governor to be magnanimous in victory by running an inclusive government for the purpose of developing the state.
While describing the Governor as a man of intellect and a performer judging from his previous records, the miners urged him to urgently consider the issue of double taxation and insecurity.
They said the double-edged sword was retrogressing businesses across Edo.
“We are fully aware of your antecedents in both public office and private capacities; we know that you will not fail to deliver on your campaign promises to the people of Edo state.
“Electioneering has come and gone, as you settle down to the business of developing the state, we urged you to be magnanimous in victory.
“This will be done by embracing all shades of opinions and suggestions aimed at developing our dear state”, they said.
The miners appealed to the people to support the new government to succeed in building a new Edo.
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