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Niger Delta

Commissioner Restates Position On Infrastructure Projects Completion

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Bayelsa State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, ESV. Moses Teibowei, has restated the position of the State Government on the provision of infrastructure across the state.
Speaking with Journalists shortly after receiving an award of excellence bestowed on him by the Nigeria Society of Engineers (NSE), Bayelsa State Branch, at the inauguration ceremony of the 12th branch chairman and executive members recently in Yenagoa, the state capital, the Commissioner said the State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, was recommitted towards completing all ongoing and inherited projects so as to fast track the development of the state.
He enjoined Bayelsans to savour, protect and make good use of commissioned projects in their domains, noting also that works on the third phase of the Igbogene-Etegwe-Onopa Glory Drive road is in progress.
Teibowei, who also spoke on other ongoing projects being executed by the “Prosperity Administration” through his Ministry, hinted that the Akaba–Okodi Road, the Nembe-Brass Road projects and others have all reached an appreciable pace.
The Commissioner reiterated government’s resolve to continue impacting lives in the state through the provision of basic infrastructure, stressing that Governor Diri from inception of office has prioritized connecting the communities of the state with roads.
He thanked the NSE for founding him, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, Dr. Barr Johnson Dangana, and other notable individuals, worthy of the awards, emphasizing that the Ministry under his stewardship will continue to partner the NSE to deliver for the state better and qualitative jobs.
“Work on the Akaba-Okodi Road, the Nembe-Brass Road projects and others are ongoing in ernest. In the New Yenagoa City we’re constructing so many internal roads. The Glory-Drive Road is in the 3rd phase now, and we’re assiduously working to complete it.
“As a Commissioner who is an ESV., my profession is just like engineering, and so the Ministry under my stewardship will continue to partner the NSE for the rapid infrastructural transformation of this state”, he said.
Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa
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Niger Delta

Tompolo, N’Delta’s Distinguished Son – Oborevwori

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Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has described renowned Niger Delta activist and former militant leader, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, as a distinguished son of the Niger Delta.
He said Tompolo has made remarkable contributions to the peace, stability, and development of the region and the nation at large.
The Governor, who stated this in a statement recentl by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, at an event marking the 54th birthday of Tompolo, commended the ex-militant for his role as Chairman of Tantita Security Services.
He said “Tompolo’s leadership had been instrumental in the fight against oil theft in the Niger Delta, leading to improved oil production and enhanced national revenue”.
The Governor also acknowledged that both the state governments of the Niger Delta and the Federal Government recognize and appreciate Tompolo’s unwavering efforts in promoting peace and security in the region.
“On behalf of my family, the government and the people of Delta State, I extend my heart-felt congratulations to a true son of the Niger Delta, High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, on the occasion of his 54th birth anniversary.
“Tompolo has played a vital role in the progress of the oil-rich Niger Delta and has consistently collaborated with regional and federal authorities to sustain peace and development.
“As he celebrates his birth anniversary, it is our prayer that God continues to bless him with good health, wisdom, and strength to further his service to the nation and humanity”, the Governor said.

By: Albert Ograka, Asaba

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Niger Delta

AfDB President Pledges Investment In C’River’s Health, Agric Sectors

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President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, has pledged significant investment in Cross River State’s health and agriculture sectors.
Adesina made this commitment on Thursday during a state banquet held in his honour by the Cross River State Government, in connection with the launch of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) project.
He stated that the AfDB would support the State Governor, Bassey Otu’s efforts to revitalise primary healthcare centres and strengthen the state’s health insurance initiative.
Adesina also encouraged the adoption of a sustainable, franchise-based business model for healthcare delivery to enhance accessibility and improve quality of care nationwide.
Looking ahead, he expressed optimism about the SAPZ project, describing it as a “game-changer” for Cross River’s economy.
“We will help ensure that primary healthcare centres are not only revitalised but also digitally connected to allow seamless access and portability of health records,” he said.
Adesina also lauded the governor’s collaboration with the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) on the Bakassi Deep Seaport project, noting that it positioned Cross River to become a key logistics and industrial processing hub.
In his remarks, Otu reiterated his administration’s commitment to achieving economic independence and reducing overdependence on federal allocations.
He identified three strategic development pillars, security, food security, and energy security as essential to unlocking sustainable growth in the state.
The Governor also highlighted plans to integrate Cross River into regional economic corridors with Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea, while boosting agricultural productivity through large-scale cultivation of cocoa, cassava, and other key crops.

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Niger Delta

‘Agro-Processing, Key To Non-Oil Exports, Industrial Growth’

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The Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Enoh, has described agro-processing as a critical enabler of Nigeria’s non-oil export drive and industrial transformation.
Enoh said this recently during the groundbreaking ceremony of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) in Calabar, Cross River State.
According to him, the initiative, driven by the African Development Bank (AfDB) in partnership with the Federal Government and other stakeholders, will it enhance food security and accelerate Nigeria’s journey toward industrial prosperity.
“I am glad to report that today the Ministry of Industry and that of Agriculture and Food Security are working together to secure the food prosperity of our countrymen and women.
“The collaboration is also to see the extent to which this can crystallise into industrial growth and development of our country.
“If you look at examples of all countries around the world that have achieved industrialisation, you will notice that they have had to move from agricultural growth, progress and development to attainment of industrial growth and prosperity.
“It is important that everybody understands and appreciates the fact that this event is actually going to crystalise into food security and industrial growth”, he said.
He further said SAPZs were instrumental in converting raw agricultural produce into finished goods for export, thus boosting Nigeria’s GDP and reducing dependence on oil revenue.
“We must move beyond celebrating the export of cocoa beans and start exporting finished cocoa products. That is how to unlock real economic growth”, he stated.
The minister challenged stakeholders to move the country from exporting primary products to processed goods.
“The SAPZ is the game-changer that will help us industrialise, create jobs, and increase exports of made-in-Nigeria goods”, he said.
Also speaking, Mr Abdul Kamara, AfDB’s Country Director for Nigeria, said that the SAPZ programme was one of the bank’s top priorities, with over five billion dollars in operations tied to its success.
“When I was deployed to Nigeria six months ago, the AfDB President, Akinwunmi Adesina, gave me a clear mandate, to untangle every impediment delaying the SAPZ.
“Today’s event is evidence of progress”, Kamara said.
He praised the collaboration between the federal and state governments, and development partners including the Islamic Development Bank and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).
“We are building a full end-to-end value chain that will transform Nigeria’s rural landscape into zones of economic prosperity,” he said.
The National Coordinator for the SAPZ project, Dr. Yusuf Kabir, said that the programme had now reached implementation stage with all transaction advisors onboarded in the eight participating states.
“A zone without investment is a stranded asset. The role of transaction advisors is to ensure these zones attract investors and deliver results,” he said.
Kabir commended the Cross River State government for its swift commitment to the project, noting that Gov. Bassey Otu showed leadership by taking ownership of a project he did not initiate.
“I have met all the governors involved, and he was the only one I did not need to meet twice. He took the project personally and gave it priority,” he said.
The SAPZ in Cross River is part of a broader nationwide initiative aimed at creating agricultural transformation centres that will stimulate private investment, reduce rural poverty, and improve food systems.

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