Niger Delta

MOSIEND Hails NASS For Prompt Passage Of NDDC Budget

Published

7 months ago

June 24, 2024

The Movement for the Survival of the Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND) has hailed the Senate for passing the N1.9 trillion budget of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for the 2024 fiscal year.
In a statement by its National President, Amb. Kennedy West, MOSIEND said the speedy consideration and passage of the budget by the Senate shows that the federal lawmakers have the interest of the people of the Niger Delta at heart.
West said, with the passage of the 2024 budget, christened “Budget of Renewed Hope”, the NDDC is better positioned to complete ongoing projects, initiate some more projects and programmes that will transform the region and improve the lives of its people.
He commended the NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, and his team for their commitment towards addressing the teething developmental issues in the Niger Delta and prayed that the new budget will birth a new dawn in the region.
The statement read in part, “MOSIEND is pleased with the achievements of Dr. Ogbuku, especially in the areas of infrastructure, human capital development and the continuous stakeholders engagement where the people of the region now make input to issues bordering on the development of their communities, and urges the State governors, National and State legislators and chairmen of local government councils to join the NDDC management as partners.
“With this passage, we expect a remarkable difference and lofty ideas that will stimulate development across the region and help in completing some of the well thought projects littered across the States which the NDDC is doing for the Niger Delta people.
“We also call on President Tinubu to see to the release of all monies owed the NDDC so that they can pay contractors and also execute more projects that will support his developmental agenda for the region.
“We also use this opportunity to again appreciate President Tinubu for appointing an NDDC Board made up of sound technocrats who know their onions, who have been tested and know what the Niger Delta truly needs and are constantly engaging with the people on projects and programmes.
“We strongly urge Niger Deltans and all well meaning individuals across the country to support the Dr. Samuel Ogbuku-led administration to succeed and not become clogs in the wheel of progress”.

By: Chinedu Wosu

Niger Delta

Welfare Ministry Reviews 2024 Milestones … Prioritizes Remodeling Children’s, Elderly Homes

Published

2 days ago

January 15, 2025

The Tide

Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation has reviewed its achievements for 2024, highlighting significant progress in various areas.

The Commissioner, Mr. Ilamu Arugu, who made this known during a retrospective meeting with his management staff in his office in Port-Harcourt, disclosed that the ministry achieved remarkable milestones in 2024.

He also said the Ministry successfully surmounted the challenges faced to make significant advancements, particularly in child welfare and social services generally.

Key accomplishments highlighted by the Commissioner under review include: Tackling Illegal Baby Homes to ensure the safety and well-being of children; Enhancing Public Safety Initiatives by addressing the movement of mentally challenged individuals on major roads in Port-Harcourt, aimed at promoting a safer environment for residents; and improving care facilities by fumigating and carrying out minor repairs at the Children’s home, to provide comfortable living conditions for residents.

Others are: introduction of a monthly cash prize of N100,000 for the best staff member in the Ministry to boost morale and encourage optimal service delivery; renovation of the Commissioner’s office, which was previously in a deplorable state; installation of two transformers at the Rehabilitation Center in Iriebe and Safe Home in Borikiri to address power issues and enrollment of children under the ministry’s care into the Rivers State Health Protection Programme (RIVCHPP) to provide quality healthcare services to them.

“Notably, the Ministry also initiated a team to ensure accurate and efficient documentation and data management at the homes, further enhancing transparency and accountability”. the Commissioner said.

The Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Commissioner further unveiled the Ministry’s 2025 infrastructure plans, which include: remodeling of the Children’s Home at Borikiri.

He expressed optimism that with Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s approval, the ministry will make significant strides in providing humanitarian services to vulnerable populations in the state, and encouraged staff to take ownership of the upcoming projects.

“The ministry’s 2025 targets also include: establishing a proposed home for the elderly; partnering with relevant NGOs to monitor homes using specialized software in enhancing the management and care of children in orphanages as well as publishing a quarterly newsletter showcasing activities of the ministry.

He commended the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Professor Justina Jumbo, for her invaluable support and administrative efforts that have assisted the ministry’s growth and equally praised the Directors for their tireless work and dedication, which, according to him, have been instrumental in achieving success in the ministry.

Mr. Arugu also hailed the Ministry’s media team for showcasing the ministry’s efforts through social media, newspapers, television, and radio stations.

Mr. Arugu emphasized the importance of consistent teamwork amongst members of staff and urged them to maintain their collaborative spirit for the collective good of the ministry.

On her part, the Permanent Secretary underscored the crucial role of planning, teamwork, and accountability in driving the ministry’s success, urging her colleagues to exert maximum effort in achieving their goals.

The ministry, she said, has established notable collaborations with several organizations such as UNICEF, ActionAid Nigeria, Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN), University of Port-Harcourt (UNIPORT), and NGOS, including Association of Orphanages and Home Operators in Nigeria (ASOHON) to enhance its impact.

The Permanent Secretary also highlighted the need for specialized training for casual staff to handle vulnerable groups, given the ministry’s manpower shortage.

While praising the Commissioner’s leadership, the Permanent Secretary noted her willingness to tolerate mistakes and support staff growth for the new year.

Niger Delta

MOSIEND Hails RSG Over Asari’s Chieftaincy Recognition

Published

2 days ago

January 15, 2025

The Tide

The Movement for the Survival of Izon Ethnic Nationality in Niger Delta (MOSIEND) has commended the Rivers State Government for recognizing the stool and Ascension of His Royal Highness (HRH) Alhaji Mujahid Asari-Dokubo in Buguma, Asari Toru Local Government Area.

Dokubo was officially proclaimed the Amanyanabo (traditional ruler) of Torusarama Piri (Elem Ama), an ancient Ijaw Kingdom in Rivers State.

This was contained in a statement by National President, MOSIEND, Ambassador Kennedy Tonjo West and made available to newsmen in Port Harcourt.

Tonjo West said the ascension officially acknowledged by the Rivers State Government marks a pivotal moment for the Ijaw ethnic group and underscores the enduring importance of traditional institutions in modern governance and cultural identity.

The President said the recognition by the government will lead to unity, cultural safeguarding, and socio-economic development in the region.

“His Royal Highness, Allhaji Mujahid Asari Dokubo has been officially proclaimed the Amanyanabo (traditional ruler) of Torusarama PIRI (Elem-Ama), an ancient Ijaw kingdom in Rivers State, Nigeria.

“This ascension, officially acknowledged by the Rivers State Government, marks a pivotal moment for the Ijaw ethnic group and underscores the enduring importance of traditional institutions in modern governance and cultural identity.

“MOSIEND joins in celebrating this feat and considers it a remarkable achievement that will further solidify the craving for development of Ijaw Communities, it’s people and Institutions.

“The yearnings of Ijaw Communities for a better deal in its leadership is a result of their veneration for their traditional structures, and the confidence reposed in Alhaji Asari Dokubo’s benevolence and leadership style will bring the expected development.

“I commend the prompt recognition by the State Government, for it is an example of the synergy we have been advocating for, a case where traditional institutions will be recognized as an important starter for the development of communities and regions”, he said.

According to Dr. West, “a new era dawns for the citizenry of Elem-Ama and the Ijaw Nation as HRH Alhaji Mujahid Asari Dokubo is known for his indomitable belief in the Ijaw course and unwavering advocacy, leadership and fervent devotion to the well-being of his people”.

The MOSIEND leader noted that HRH Asari Dokubo’s leadership will attract modern and fast-paced development to the Kingdom, endear unity, cultural safeguard, and socio-economic development for the nation.

Amb Tonjo West also noted that the community is the center of strong cultural heritage, strategically located in the Niger Delta.

MOSIEND appealed to the international community, cultural organizations, development partners, communities,and the Ijaw population to stand behind Alhaji Asari Dokubo in support of his developmental plan.

Chinedu Wosu

Niger Delta

Yenagoa Becoming Modern City Under Our Stewardship – Diri

Published

2 days ago

January 15, 2025

The Tide

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has said his administration’s urban renewal programme will transform Yenagoa, the state capital, into a modern city.

Senator Diri stated this against the backdrop of the recent relocation of inter-state commercial transporters to the new state-owned transport terminal at Igbogene.

Speaking recently during the State Executive Council meeting in Government House, Yenagoa, the Governor said centralised motor parks were features of modern cities, which Yenagoa was gradually turning into.

He warned against touting around the vicinity of the terminal, saying that all travellers were expected to go into the terminal for booking and boarding of vehicles.

Diri also stressed that the relocation would curb crime as passengers coming into the state would now be monitored.

“I visited the new terminal and saw its beauty. This is what every modern society does.

“For those who play politics and are still criticising, I am very sorry for them. Bayelsans are however happy with what we have done. It is only those who do not know what a modern society looks like that make derogatory statements about me and the government.

“For the first time in our state, we are seeing what a city is like. We want to actually turn Yenagoa into a modern city. We want to bring Yenagoa to a better place.

“I am happy that the terminal is bubbling. Nobody should act like agbero (tout) in that place. That park is a modern one with everything provided.

“For those who want to come into Bayelsa to commit crime, we have stopped them with the movement to the new terminal”, he said.

Commenting on the peaceful and crime-free Yuletide period, the Bayelsa helmsman commended security agencies for their collaborative efforts that ensured the state was secured throughout the festive season.

He also noted that there was a boost in tourism and entertainment during the period, and particularly commended dancehall music star, Enetimi Odon (popularly called Timaya) for giving back to the state through his annual Timaya Day concert held every 1st January.

He observed that the event attracted a huge crowd of mostly youths and that the show had great tourism potential for the state.

“In the whole of these festivities, what I consider as the final lap was the January 1st Timaya Day that had to do with youths of our state.

“Instructively, there was no incident of crime. I was there. The youths were well behaved and they became security by themselves.

“From what I saw, I believe there is hope for this country and for our state. We all need to do what is right”, the Governor added.

Commenting on an ugly incident at Agbere in Sagbama Local Government Area, Diri thanked the leadership of the community for maintaining the peace and for not taking the laws into their hands.

He assured that ongoing investigation would unravel those behind the dastardly murder of a chief in the community.

Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa