Niger Delta

MOSIEND Hails N’Delta Ministers …Warns Against Fighting NDDC Board

Published

2 years ago

August 18, 2023

The Movement for the Survival of Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND) has congratulated Ministers from the region who made the Ministerial list and were assigned portfolios into the Federal Executive Council.
MOSIEND, in a statement by its National President, Comrade Kennedy Tonjo West, also thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for giving opportunity to trustworthy personalities from Niger Delta to serve in his government, saying the move was in order.
West urged the newly designated ministers to close ranks and work towards promoting regional development and economic growth.
He described the appointment as putting square pegs in square holes “because those sworn-in are seasoned technocrats and consummate politicians who have made their marks in previous national assignments and undertakings”.
The MOSIEND President expressed optimism that President Tinubu will get equal value from their appointments, as the newly inaugurated ministers mean business.
He said, “We advice the ministers from the region to close ranks as they promote regional peace, cohesion and development.
“They should avoid the pitfalls made by the past ministers from the region who did not work in synergy, but allowed superior personalities who had the President’s ears to tear them.
“These sentiments blinded the sense of unity, regional growth and development – wasting the entire 8 years of the Buhari-administration.
“But we cannot blame President Buhari for the developmental setbacks of the region because he gave equal opportunity to all his ministers, and whether or not such opportunities were used effectively for the development of the region is not his concern.
“Today, another opportunity has been given to illustrious sons of the region to serve in this government and we are expecting synergy, understanding and love, bearing in mind the overall development of the region.
“President Bola Tinubu and the people of the region are believing that, as ambassadors from the region, they will bring the dividends of democracy to the region beyond serving their official office demands effectively and efficiently.
“The President is hoping that they will use the opportunity to promote cohesive, improved welfare and development of the region.
“We advice that they support each other and avoid making the mistakes of their predecessors. They should avoid oppression and not do anything that will create an impression that they are opposition to the state Governors, either because of party divide or sentiments.
“We advice them to support the revalidation and continuation of the current NDDC Board which is the popular wish of the people of the region.
“They should also work with the Senators, house of Reps members, Niger Delta governors and other stakeholders so that the region can move forward, and they should not engage in any feud over the NDDC like their predecessors.
“Often times, it is the choice of who nominates the members of the NDDC Board for one political patronage or the other that usually ignites the feud amongst ministers from the region, and we don’t want that kind of disaffection in this administration.
“As a people, we respect them and have no doubt about their capabilities to deliver on their mandates, but we will also appeal that they support the continuity of the NDDC Management board”.

By: Chinedu Wosu

Niger Delta

Bipi Celebrates Gen Asabuja On Birthday

Published

4 days ago

February 19, 2025

The Tide

The Rivers State Commissioner for Urban Development and Physical Planning, Rt Hon Evans Bipi, has eulogised Gen Gabriel Asabuja over his recent birthday celebration in Port Harcourt.
Bipi said Asabuja is worth celebrating following his numerous contributions and support to the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
He described Asabuja as a strong pillar of governance in Rivers State, adding that the Ministry of Urban Development and Physical Planning is happy working with him.
He noted that Asabuja’s position as a team leader of the Ministry’s taskforce has been amazing, saying the Ministry is proud associating with him.
The former lawmaker hinted that since Asabuja assumed office as leader of the taskforce, the Ministry has witnessed tremendous improvement.
Bipi said the Ministry will always stand by him to ensure that the dreams of the Governor Fubara-led government are achieved.
On his part, the celebrant, Gen Gabriel Asabuja expressed gratitude to God and the Commissioner for the honour done him.
Gen Asabuja also commended Governor Fubara for his tremendous and good leadership in the State, saying his group will continue to give the Governor maximum support in order to achieve more for Rivers people.
Gen Asabuja described Rt Hon Evans Bipi as one of the best brains working with the Governor, saying under Bipi, the Ministry of Urban Development and Physical Planning has shown capacity to leverage on the Governor’s mantra of Rivers First.
He said both the personnel of the Ministry, the Directors and adhoc staff are happy with his style of leadership.

Niger Delta

Joint Provincial Council, East Of The Niger Salutes Diocese Of Evo

Published

4 days ago

February 19, 2025

The Tide

The Joint Provincial Council, East of the Niger, Anglican Communion, held its 2025 Annual General Meeting at St. Michael’s Church, Rumuomasi Deanery, Diocese of Evo from Saturday 15th — Sunday 16th February, 2025.
The meeting which had the theme, “Kept By His Mercies”, with text from Lamentations 3:22-23, had the Archbishops, Bishops, their wives, Chancellors, Financial Secretaries and Synod Clerical Secretaries of the 58 Dioceses as delegates.
At the opening ceremony on Saturday, the Dean of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) and Chairman of the Council, Most Rev Blessing Enyindah, charged delegates to stay focused and committed to the matters for discussion and implement decisions reached for the growth of the Church in the region and the advancement of the business of God’s Kingdom.
Most Rev Enyindah, who is also the Archbishop of the Niger Delta Province and Bishop of the Diocese of Ikwerre, lauded the Diocese of Evo for the giant strides recorded in just 15 years of existence while tasking the leadership not to rest on its oars but to strive further to complete the work of the Kingdom in their hands.
Addressing the council in his welcome address, the Bishop of the Diocese of Evo and host of the Joint Council, The Rt Rev Innocent Ordu, welcomed the delegates, and reminded them that the theme is apt and fit as it reminds the Church of God’s inexplicable and instructible mercy towards mankind, which supersedes His righteous judgements.
Bishop Ordu further lamented the many challenges bedeviling the country, such as skyrocketing cost of living, ravaging sicknesses and ailments, proliferation of harmful drugs, natural disasters, high level corruption in public offices, inept political leadership, amongst others, which he said could not consume mankind because of God’s mercies.
In their separate speeches, delegates saluted the Diocese of Evo for willingly accepting to host the council and the comfort they enjoyed during their stay.
Earlier, the council appointed the Synod’s Clerical Secretary of the Diocese of Evo, Rev (Canon) (Dr) Ebenezer Owhor as the Assistant Secretary of the Joint Council.
Also, before the commencement of plenary, the women of St. Michael’s Church, Rumuomasi Deanery thrilled delegates to good traditional tunes and dance steps while His Royal Highness Eze( Sir) Raymond Chinda led the chiefs and elders of Rumuomasi community in Oropotoma Kingdom, to appreciate the council for choosing the community to host the meeting.
They solicited for prayers of peace, unity and development from the council.
The meeting ended on Sunday evening while the Archbishops and Bishops worshipped in various churches in the Diocese of Evo.

Niger Delta

Okpebholo’s Aides Lead Cancer Awareness Walk In Benin … Offers Free Screening

Published

4 days ago

February 19, 2025

The Tide

In a bid to promote cancer awareness and encourage early detection, officials of Edo State Government, last Thursday held a cancer awareness walk in Benin City.

The walk, led by Sally Suleiman, Special Adviser to Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), was organised in commemoration of World Cancer Day.

The event also brought other health professionals, civil society groups, and residents to emphasise the importance of regular screenings, healthy lifestyles, and early diagnosis in reducing cancer-related deaths.

The notable stakeholders, include the Coordinator of the First Lady’s Office, Mrs. Edesili Anani; the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole; and the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Marie Bisi Idaomi.

Speaking at the event, Suleiman reaffirmed the commitment of the Edo State Government to strengthening healthcare systems and to ensure that cancer awareness reached all corners of the state.

“Cancer remains a major public health challenge, but early detection can save lives.

“This walk is part of our efforts to educate residents on preventive measures and available healthcare services”, she said.

As part of the initiative, she said her office would be offering free mammograms and prostate screenings to encourage early detection.

“We are not just raising awareness; we are taking action. Early detection saves lives, and we want to ensure that more people get screened before it’s too late”, she added.

Suleiman expressed gratitude to all partners and urged continued collaboration in the fight against cancer.

“This is not just a one-day event. We must keep the conversation going and ensure that people have access to the healthcare they need”, she said.