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

Flood: NDDC Extends Lifeline To Ayakoro Community

Published

24 hours ago

March 30, 2026

The Tide

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has distributed relief materials to residents of Ayakoro Community in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, following recurring flood incidents that have devastated livelihoods and displaced residents.

A statement signed and issued by the Director, Corporate Affairs of the NDDC, Seledi Thompson-Wakama, stated that the intervention, aimed at cushioning the impact of seasonal flooding, comes amid growing concerns over the loss of lives, farmlands and economic assets in the riverine community.

Representing the Managing Director of NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, at the event, the Director of Education, Health and Social Services, Dr. Patience Ezugu, said the initiative reflects the commission’s commitment to alleviating hardship and improving living conditions across the Niger Delta.

She noted that the donation of food items and essential household materials forms part of NDDC’s broader strategy to support vulnerable communities while advancing sustainable development in the region.

“As we distribute these materials to the people of Ayakoro, we reaffirm our resolve to empower communities and drive meaningful development across the Niger Delta”, she said.

Ogbuku, in a statement, reiterated that the commission’s mandate is rooted in addressing environmental degradation, pollution and other development challenges confronting the region.

He assured that NDDC would sustain interventions that deliver tangible benefits to affected communities.

In his remarks, the Acting Paramount Ruler of Ayakoro Kingdom, King Micah Itekesi, represented by a community leader, Pastor ThankGod Expenses, commended the commission for its timely response to the plight of flood victims.

Describing the intervention as unprecedented, he expressed gratitude to the NDDC leadership for the scale of assistance provided, noting that the support would go a long way in easing the suffering of residents.

He also assured that the relief materials would be distributed fairly among households in the community.

Speaking on the selection process, the programme consultant, Dr. Daniel George Smile, explained that Ayakoro was prioritised due to the severity of flood impact and the community’s fragile economic condition.

He added that assessments were ongoing in other affected areas for possible intervention.

The latest effort underscores NDDC’s continued focus on humanitarian support alongside its core infrastructure and development mandate in the Niger Delta.

Niger Delta

C’River Deploys Drones To Boost Rural Healthcare Access

Published

24 hours ago

March 30, 2026

The Tide

The Commissioner for Health in Cross River State, Henry Ayuk, has said the deploent of drone technology has improved access to essential medicines in remote communities, strengthening healthcare delivery across previously underserved and hard-to-reach areas.

Speaking with The Tide’s source in Calabar, Ayuk said the government had leveraged drone technology to improve healthcare delivery and ensured equitable access statewide.

He explained that the innovation had expanded immunisation coverage and enabled efficient delivery of essential medicines and supplies to every nook and cranny of the state, including isolated and difficult terrains.

According to the Commissioner, the initiative, implemented in partnership with Zipline, is designed to serve more than 300 health facilities, especially those located in riverine and mountainous areas lacking reliable transportation access.

“The use of drones has significantly improved healthcare delivery in Cross River, enhancing efficiency and responsiveness in the distribution of medical supplies to health facilities across diverse and challenging terrains.

“Beyond faster deliveries to hard-to-reach areas, the system has reduced wastage and helped curb the circulation of counterfeit medicines, thereby strengthening the integrity and reliability of the state’s drug supply chain,” Ayuk stated.

He continued that the administration of Bassey Otu had also introduced far-reaching initiatives aimed at strengthening healthcare infrastructure, expanding access, and improving the overall quality of medical services across the state.

He highlighted ongoing upgrades and renovations of a out 100 Primary Healthcare centres across the state’s 18 local government areas, aimed at enhancing service delivery and improving access to basic healthcare services.

He added that the government had designated some health facilities to cater specifically to elderly persons, children, and pregnant women, ensuring vulnerable groups received focused and priority medical attention across the state.

According to him, several upgraded Primary Healthcare centres have been completed, while others are at advanced stages, reflecting steady progress in the government’s efforts to revitalise healthcare infrastructure and expand service coverage.

He noted that dedicated facilities for elderly persons above 65, children under five years, and pregnant women were already operational in three local government areas and would be replicated statewide.

On disease control, Ayuk said the government combined preventive and curative strategies, emphasising early detection, rapid response, and sustained public health interventions to minimise risks and effectively manage outbreaks across communities.

He emphasised that there had been a significant reduction in disease outbreaks due to increased focus on preventive measures, including public health education and awareness campaigns targeted at communities across the state.

He explained that authorities provided basic health education and maintained an effective surveillance system that ensured rapid response once cases were reported, helping to contain and mitigate the spread of diseases statewide.

Niger Delta

South-South APC Elects New Zonal Executive … Reaffirms Unity Ahead Of 2027

Published

24 hours ago

March 30, 2026

The Tide

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in the South-South has elected a new Zonal Executive Committee, following a successful congress held on Wednesday in Asaba, the Delta State capital.

The congress, which drew top party leaders, including the Senate President, Governors, lawmakers, and delegates from across the region, was conducted through a consensus arrangement, reinforcing the party’s commitment to unity and internal cohesion.

Proceedings commenced with a motion for the dissolution of the outgoing Zonal Executive Committee, moved by the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, and seconded by his Bayelsa State counterpart, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, and was unanimously adopted.

Subsequently, a motion adopting consensus as the mode of electing new officers was moved by Senator Essien Williams of Cross River State and seconded by Senator Aniekan Bassey of Akwa Ibom North East, and was also unanimously adopted by all delegates.

At the end of the exercise, Chief Victor Giadom emerged as National Vice Chairman (South-South); Dr. Ita Udosen, Zonal Secretary; Barr. Neworld Safugha, Legal Adviser; Dr. Samuel Nwanosike, Publicity Secretary; Prince Urhoro Koyoyo, Youth Leader; Hon. Suobankuo Omoni, Women Leader; Hon. Prince Edward, Organising Secretary; and Prince Ayo Peter, who is to represent Persons with Disabilities.

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, in his remarks, conveyed the goodwill of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and commended the South-South for its growing unity and political consolidation within the APC.

He noted that the region had witnessed remarkable transformation, moving from minimal APC presence to becoming a strong political bloc with increased alignment from governors and stakeholders.

Akpabio challenged party faithfuls to position the South-South as the highest vote-delivering region for the APC in the 2027 general elections, stressing that such a goal was both achievable and necessary.

Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, in his goodwill message, welcomed delegates to Asaba and described the congress as a demonstration of the party’s strength, unity, and readiness for future political engagements.

Oborevwori emphasized the need for sustained grassroots mobilization and urged party members to deepen internal cohesion, strengthen structures across all levels, and maintain strong connections with the people.

Chairman of the South-South Governors’ Forum and Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, also underscored the importance of unity, describing the adoption of consensus as a major step in reducing internal conflicts and fostering collective ownership within the party.

He noted that, for the first time in recent political history, the South-South was speaking with one voice, adding that the full attendance of governors at the congress demonstrated their shared commitment to the region’s progress.

Governors Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Bassey Otu (Cross River), Monday Okpebholo (Edo), and Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers) in their separate remarks, spoke in the same vein, stressing the importance of the zone aligning with the Government at the centre.

Earlier in his welcome address, Chief Victor Giadom thanked party leaders and stakeholders for their support during his tenure and highlighted the progress made by the APC in the region, including electoral victories and increased political alignment.

In his acceptance speech, Giadom, who was relelected, expressed optimism that the party would continue to expand its influence ahead of the 2027 elections and position itself for greater success.

The congress was also attended by members of the National and State Houses of Assembly, Ministers, other top government functionaries, party leaders and stakeholders from across the zone.

The event concluded with a renewed commitment by party leaders and members to strengthen unity, expand grassroots support, and consolidate the APC’s growing influence in the South-South region.