Niger Delta

Association Boss Hails FG Over Pipeline Surveillance

Published

1 month ago

January 10, 2025

The National Chairman of Ekpeye Oil and Gas Pipelines Host Families Association, Comrade Dogini Chidi, has commended the Federal Government’s initiative on pipelines surveillance.

This is particularly considering the positive results it has recorded in the increased output of oil and gas production in the country.

Chidi, who made the commendation during the association’s last quarter sensitisation programme in Ahoada Town recently, said the association is out to ensure that there is no more vandalisation of oil and gas facilities in Ekpeyeland.

He urged the Federal Government to complement the efforts of the host communities by creating job opportunities and empowerment programmes for the youths to sustain the existing peace in the area.

He noted that over time, there have been series of pollution in the area as a result of oil exploration activities, coupled with pipeline sabotage which has virtually engulfed all the communities in the Niger Delta.

According to him, “pipeline surveillance has come to stay. If we continue to protect the oil and gas facilities, surveillance job will create more job opportunities for our youths”.

The association chairman, however, faulted the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report on Ubeta Deep Oil Field project carried out by Total Energies EP Nigeria Limited, and called on the Federal Government and all relevant authorities to reverse and review the report by ensuring that Ekpeye people are properly captured in it, to avoid and avert a chaotic situation in the area.

He also appealed to Ekpeye people to be more united than ever in order to be able to confront common challenges, contending that instead of disagreement, the Ubeta gas project should be seen as a uniting factor.

Chidi also advised all sons and daughters of Ekpeye in the bush to sheathe their swords and avail themselves of the opportunity to embrace peace for the betterment of Ekpeyeland, describing Ekpeyeland as one of the most endowed areas with natural resources in the Niger Delta, which he said should be properly harnessed and utilised for the good of the people.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Steve Wordu, described the Ekpeye region as the gateway and the engine room of Nigeria’s oil and gas exports, and appealed that Ekpeye should be part of the central committee or communities to be considered whenever oil and gas business is being discussed.

He noted that all the fiendish things that have happened in Ekpeyeland, particularly with respect to cultism, were as a result of neglect, saying the wealth of Ekpeye has been stolen to develop other areas and tribes while the people are dying in the midst of plenty.

While urging the people to wake up from their slumber and demand what is due them, Wordu stressed the need for them to use the opportunity provided by the Ubeta Deep Oil Field, to factor in the demand for the participation of Ekpeye people in the oil surveillance and security project, while underscoring the EIA report on Ubeta Deep Oil Field.

He further lamented that the EIA report did not take into consideration the Federal Government’s policy on local content, stressing that the local content policy gives consideration to certain levels of employment and contracts to oil companies’ host communities.

“That EIA report violates that policy of the Federal Government. If Ekpeye people allow that report to be approved, it means that we have betrayed ourselves and our future generations”, he said.

On his part, Alhaji Sheik Abdulrazak Philip Echeye, said the root causes of vandalisation of pipelines and electricity facilities are hunger and unemployment, and advised community leaders and youths in the various communities to form anti-sabotage volunteers to protect oil, gas and electricity facilities in the area.

He also urged Ekpeye people to key into oil business, stressing that “Mr. Alikor Dangote, for example, who is not from an oil producing area, has now built the biggest refinery in West Africa”.

He, therefore, admonished the youths to look into the area of ICT for a better future.

Niger Delta

Bipi Celebrates Gen Asabuja On Birthday

Published

2 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

2 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

2 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.