Niger Delta

Bayelsa NSE Unveils New Exco

Published

2 years ago

June 24, 2024

The Bayelsa State branch of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Thursday, inaugurated its 12th State Executive Council members.
In his inaugural address, the new Branch Chairman, Engr. Edoghotu Boyibim Jonah, gave the assurance that the society under his stewardship would be recommitted towards the unity and progress of the engineering profession in the state.
Edoghotu stressed the importance of collaboration with all of divisions of the society, describing it as key in their effort to make greater impact and to stamp out quackery in the profession.
He noted that the bane of the profession’s development over the years is lack of unity of purpose, saying however that the problem of faulty engineering is mostly not associated with works executed by registered Engineers, but patronage of quacks.
The chairman commended members of the society in the state for their resilience and commitment towards building the profession, just as he averred that past chairmen and other executive members of the NSE have laid a solid foundation for the state branch of the society.
“Sincerely, I owe a great depth of gratitude to all my predecessors who charted this part of honour for us to tread. If I can do anything better it’s because I’m standing on the shoulders of 11 great leaders who’re also tapping from their wealth of experience.
“I’ve a six-point agenda for the NSE, Bayless state chapter. But the most important of this six-point agenda is unity of the chapter. If we’re able to work on unity every other thing would be added to us as members of the NSE here in the state.
Other members of the 12th exco are, Engr. Adou Doubara David, Vice Chairman; Engr. Deborah Ebimiekumo, Secretary; Engr. Idubamo Rebecca, Treasurer; Engr. Abhon Adus, Technical Secretary; and Engr. Diepriye Owana-Omubo, Assistant Secretary.
Members of the Executive also include Engr. Dr. Ebiyeritei Wisdom, Financial Secretary; Engr. Happiness Mac-Eteli, Assistant Technical Secretary; while Engr. James Sokari Karimo and Engr. Eluanatein Mac-Jokori are to serve as Ex-officios one and two respectively.
Earlier in his welcome address, outgoing Chairman of the Branch, Engr. James Sokari Karimo, thanked members of the society for the support given him and the entire executive members of the 11th exco of the society under his leadership.
He charged members of the profession to extend same cooperation to the Edoghotu-led 12th exco, saying that under his reign the NSE was able to commence the building of its permanent state secretariat.
In a lecture titled, “The role of engineering in advancing society’s proficiency in sustainable development’’, guest lecturer, Engr. Eruni Uku Philip, the Acting Head of Department, Chemical Engineering, Federal University, Otuoke eulogized engineers world over for their intellectual prowess on innovation, science and technology.
She said the engineering profession through various research is at the fore front of driving sustainable development through the design of innovative solutions that minimizes environmental impact, optimize resource usage and by promoting social equity, amongst other.
Meanwhile, the NSE President, Engr. Margaret Aina Oguntala, said she was committed towards making the practice of the engineering profession under her leadership more worthwhile in the country.
She tasked leadership of the State Branch of the society not to relent in its effort to make the society better.
Represented by the NSE Vice President, Engr. Bemigho Ofoeyena, the society’s helmsman eulogised the leadership of the state’s branch for their resilience and hard work.
Similarly, the Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineers(NIMechE), Bayelsa State chapter on Friday held the 4th edition of the Emeritus Prof. Steven Odi-Owei annual public lecture series.
In his welcome address, the state’s chapter chairman of NIMechE, Engr. Seigha Gumus said 21st June every year is sacrosanct in the history of the Mechanical Engineering profession in the state.
He commended the National Chairman of NIMechE for attending the event, just as he also applauded the State Branch of the NSE, guests and members of the Mechanical Engineering profession in the state and others for gracing the occasion.
The theme of this year’s lecture is, “Nanocomposite Electrodeposition: Surface Engineering tool for job creation”.
Delivering the lecture, guest lecturer and Director of academic planning, NMU, Akerenkoko, Prof. Tolumoye Tuawari, described the Mechanical Engineering profession as distinct, saying in the era of job loss and study apathy on the side of some students due to rising unemployment, surface engineering can be used as an alternative to create jobs for citizens.
He stated that the mechanical engineering field is replete with immense opportunities, saying that all other fields of human endeavour depends partly on tools produced by mechanical engineers for their inputs, hence the numerous successes recorded in the field of mechanical engineering world over.
In same vein, Prof. Odi-Owei charged the Federal Government to complete and put to adequate use the Ajaokuta steel industry for the rapid socioeconomic transformation of the nation.
He commended the NIMechE for organizing the yearly event, advising members of the engineering profession not to compromise standards in their careers, just as he thanked invited guests and others for gracing the occasion.
Featured as part of the event was the birthday celebration of the emeritus Prof., exhibition, awards presentation and goodwill messages, amongst others.

By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa

Niger Delta

Okpebholo Assures Corps Members Of Improved Welfare

Published

3 days ago

January 28, 2026

The Tide

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has assured corps members deployed to the state of improved welfare and a supportive service year.

Okpebholo gave the assurance at the swearing-in ceremony of the 2026 Batch ‘A’ Stream I corps members last Friday at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Permanent Orientation Camp in Okada.

The Governor also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to youth empowerment, safety and entrepreneurship.

Represented by the Commissioner for Youth Affairs, Mrs. Charity Amayaenvbo, the Governor urged corps members to embrace innovation, community service and self-reliance rather than wait for white-collar jobs.

“Edo is committed to supporting youth empowerment, entrepreneurship and incentives that turn ideas into enterprises.

“Do not wait for jobs, create value. Wherever you are posted, serve your host community with humility, dedication and compassion.

“Have a positive footprint and let your service contribute to unity, productivity and progress,” he said.

Okpebholo assured the corps members that the state government was attentive to their welfare and had started addressing key concerns raised by the NYSC leadership.

“On behalf of the state government, I assure you of our support in terms of safety, an enabling environment and a rewarding service year.

“I listened carefully to the requests highlighted by the state coordinator, and I am glad to inform you that some of them have already been captured in the 2026 budget, which has been approved and signed into law,” he said.

The Governor noted that provisions for accommodation, meal subsidies, logistics and the construction of a multipurpose hall at the camp were included in the budget.

Earlier in her address, the Edo State Coordinator of the NYSC, Dr. Frances Ben-Ushie, described the ceremony as a reflection of the state government’s commitment to youth development and national integration.

Ben-Ushie said as of midnight on Thursday, a total of 1,235 prospective corps members, comprising 531 males and over 700 females, had been duly registered.

She congratulated the corps members on their enlistment into what she described as a “noble scheme,” urging them to embrace discipline, learning and active participation throughout the orientation course.

“The NYSC platform provides a unique avenue to meet people from diverse backgrounds, build lifelong friendships and create networks that can open doors to greater opportunities,” she said.

Ben-Ushie also highlighted the contributions of the NYSC to the state’s development, noting that the scheme had consistently provided skilled manpower, promoted labour mobility and strengthened national unity.

She cited initiatives such as the Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers and the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development programme as key interventions benefiting communities across the state.

The NYSC coordinator commended the state government for its support, including the provision of buses for corps members, and appealed for further intervention to address lingering operational challenges at the orientation camp.

She expressed confidence that resolving the issues would enhance the effectiveness of NYSC programmes in the state and thanked the Governor for prioritising the welfare, security and growth of corps members.

Niger Delta

PDP Declares Edo Airline’s Plan As Misplaced Priority

Published

3 days ago

January 28, 2026

The Tide

The Edo chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Friday condemned the state government’s reported plan to establish a state-owned airline.

The party, in a statement by its Edo State Publicity Secretary, Mr. Dan Osa-Ogbegie, described the proposal as a misplaced priority and evidence of poor, disconnected governance.

The Tide’s source reports that the State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, unveiled the airline plan during a meeting with Aviation Minister, Mr. Festus Keyamo, in Abuja.

Osa-Ogbegie said the proposal showed a government out of touch with the pressing challenges confronting Edo State residents.

“At a time of decaying infrastructure and stalled projects, establishing an airline is unrealistic and profoundly insensitive”, he said.

He argued that airlines were capital-intensive and technically demanding, noting that similar state-owned ventures in Nigeria had largely failed.

According to him, Benin has become a shadow of what a modern state capital should be.

He decried poor roads, collapsed urban planning, neglected drainage systems and weak municipal services across the state capital.

“This is a crying shame for a city of Benin’s history, heritage and enormous potential”, he said.

Osa-Ogbegie said several inherited projects had stalled or deteriorated, eroding investor confidence and undermining economic growth.

He accused the governor of pursuing “white elephant projects that offer optics without substance.”

He also cited ongoing flyover projects in parts of Benin as examples of poor prioritisation.

Against this background, he described the airline proposal as diversionary and lacking economic sense.

“When roads are barely motorable and services overstretched, proposing an airline betrays an absence of judgment,” he said.

He urged the government to abandon the plan and focus on people-centred priorities that would improve living conditions and spur growth.

“Edo does not need an airline to fly above its problems. It needs a government ready to confront them on the ground,” he said.

He warned that failure to refocus would deepen perceptions of an administration lacking direction, competence and a coherent development agenda.

Niger Delta

Students Protest Non-indigene Appointment As Rector in C’River

Published

3 days ago

January 28, 2026

The Tide

Students of Federal Polytechnic, Ugep, Cross River State, have protested to the Governor’s Office in Calabar over an alleged plan to appoint a non-indigene as Rector for the institution.

Carrying placards with various inscriptions, the students demanded respect for catchment area policy, local content, and the appointment of an indigene of the state as Rector of the institution.

Speaking on behalf of the students in Calabar, Stephen Etem said the protest sought to alert the Federal and Cross River State Governments to an alleged deviation from the established rectorial selection process.

Etem said a Governing Council, chaired by Sen. Florence Ita-Giwa, was constituted by the Federal Government to conduct the Rector selection exercise.

“The screening, which began last year, reportedly produced a Cross River State indigene as highest scorer and recommended candidate.

“Information available to us suggests that the alleged recommended candidate’s name might be substituted at the Federal Ministry of Education.

“We urge the Federal Government to uphold the council’s recommendation because altering the process could threaten peace in the institution,” he noted.

Responding at the Government House, Mr. Goddie Akpama, the Special Adviser on Intelligence to the State Governor, Bassey Otu, appealed for calm, saying the Governor was away but would be briefed.

Akpama advised the students to submit written petitions through appropriate channels, avoid inflammatory language, and engage authorities to ensure stability and uninterrupted academic activities.