Niger Delta

Bayelsa NSE Unveils New Exco

Published

1 year 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

Sexual Harassment: Court Sentences UNICAL Prof To 5yrs Imprisonment

Published

3 days ago

November 19, 2025

The Tide

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday, sentenced Prof. Cyril Ndifon, suspended Dean of Faculty of Law, University of Calabar (UNICAL), to five years’ imprisonment without an option of fine.

Justice James Omotosho, in a judgment, held that the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) had been able to prove the evidence in counts one and two beyond reasonable doubt against the 1st defendant.

Justice Omotosho, therefore, sentenced Ndifon to two-year jail term in count one and five-year imprisonment in count two which must run concurrently.

The judge, however, discharged and acquitted Sunny Anyanwu, who was earlier a member of Ndifon ‘s team of lawyers, of the charges against him.

He held that the anti-corruption commission was unable to link the offences in counts three and four in which Anyanwu’s name appeared, to the co-defendant.

The Tide’s source reports that th ICPC had, in the amended charge dated January 19, 2024, preferred four counts against Ndifon (1st defendant) and his lawyer, Sunny Anyanwu (2nd defendant)

Although Ndifon was initially the sole defendant in the sexual harassment charge, Anyanwu was later joined as 2nd defendant in the amended charge.

The development followed allegations that Anyanwu had attempted to pervert the course of justice by calling the star witness on her mobile phone during the pendency of the charge against Ndifon to threaten her.

Anyanwu, while being a lawyer to Ndifon, was said to have called TKJ not not either honour the ICPC’s invitation or write any statement in respect of the allegations of sexual harrament case against his client.

In the amended charge, counts one and two accused the professor of harassing some female students of the school sexually.

The commission said Ndifon, while serving as the Dean of the Faculty of Law at UNICAL, asked a female Diploma student, identified as TKJ and a star witness, to send him “pornographic, indecent and obscene photographs of herself” through WhatsApp chats.

He was also accused to have, on differently occasions, asked TKJ to give him “a blow job” as an exchange for gaining admission into the institution to study law.

Ndifon, a public officer, was alleged to have sexually harassed many female students of the institution using his position to gain undue advantage over them.

While count three was preferred solely against Anyanwu, the two defendants were accused of attempting to influence the course of justice in count four of the charge.

The anti-corruption commission had, on February 14, 2024, closed its case against the suspended professor and Anyanwu.

ICPC counsel, Osuobeni Akponimisingha, told Justice Omotosho after Bwaigu Fungo, the 4th prosecution witness, a Forensic and intelligence Analyst with the commission, was cross-examined by the defence lawyer.

But the defendants opted for a no-case submission, arguing that the prosecution had failed to sufficiently prove the allegations against them.

But Justice Omotosho had, on March 6, 2024, dismissed the no-case submission filed by Ndifon and Anyanwu against the charge.

In defending himself, Ndifon testified as the first defence witness (DW-1), while CSP Babagana Mingali, a Forensic Analyst, who works at the laboratory of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), gave his testimony as the DW-2.

Delivering the judgement, the judge said the commission had been able to prove the ingredients of the offences in counts one and two.

He observed that Ndifon was unable to controvert the evidence that he unduly pressurised TKJ to perform the immoral act with her.

He said: “The victim was desirous of being admitted into the university and the 1st defendant was in advantage to help her being the dean and the diploma course is under his supervision,

“The instances of undue advantage are so much. The 1st defendant abused his office.”

According to him, the court observes the 1st defendant and see that the 1st defendant is not a witness of truth and cannot be believed by any reasonable court.

“Consequently, the 1st defendant is hereby convicted of count one and count two”, he said.

The judge said being a first-time offender, he was minded to temper justice with mercy as prayed by Ndifon and his lawyer, Oladimeji Ekengba.

On count three, the judge said he observed that although Anyanwu made a phone call to TKJ, this was about four months before the investigation commenced into the case and a charge preferred against Ndifon.

He said the court cannot assume or speculate the intention of the 2nd defendant at the time the act was committed.

Justice Omotosho, therefore, discharged and acquitted Anyanwu of count three and likewise count four which both the defendants were charged.

The judge, however, condemned Anyanwu’s unprofessional act by calling a supposed witness in his client’s matter.

Also Justice Omotosho berated Ndifon’s immoral conduct.

He said: “It was with dismay I read through this case that a Dean of Law can turn himself to a sexual predator.”

He said his randy nature should be condemned by all.

According to the judge, he is a disgrace to the community of learner persons and must be made to face the wrath of the law.

He said this would serve as a deterrent to others like him in public office who have penchant for taking undue advantage over the female folks.

Niger Delta

FRSC Begins Free Vehicle Safety Checks In A’Ibom

Published

3 days ago

November 19, 2025

The Tide

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Command in Akwa Ibom State, says it has commenced free safety checks for all categories of vehicles in the state.

The Sector Commander, Mr. Francis Ajatta, told newsmen in Uyo on Monday that the safety checks would continue untill November 20.

Ajatta said the safety checks was the operational window adopted by the corps to relate with the 080-334-22651motoring public, and to demonstrate its commitment to road safety.

He said the exercise was part of FRSC’s proactive steps to reduce road traffic crashes in the state, especially during the ‘Ember’ Months.

The FRSC official urged motorists and vehicle owners in the state to take advantage of the opportunity to ascertain the road worthiness level of their vehicles.

“In the interest of public safety, let’s strive consciously to safeguard our lives, let’s use this opportunity to carry out safety checks on our vehicles.

“As road users, we should be active observers. We should be cautious. We should promptly report any road incident or emergencies to the FRSC Toll-free line –122,” he said.

Niger Delta

Monarch Lauds Fubara Over Speedy Execution Of Projects In Rivers

Published

4 days ago

November 18, 2025

The Tide

A traditional ruler in Rivers State, His Royal Highness, Epelle D. E. Asukokpong has commended the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, for ensuring speedy execution of ongoing projects across the state.

Asuk-okpong, who is the Paramount Ruler of Egwe-Asukokpong in Asarama District, in Andoni Local Government Area lauded the Governor during his inspection tour with his Cabinet on a section of Andoni road linking Oyorokoto fishing community in the area, yesterday.

The Paramount Ruler who expressed satisfaction with the pace of work on the road, commended the Governor for the seriousness he attached to the project.

According to him, “there is a serious motivation on the part of the company handling project.

“With what am seeing today I can say that the Company has redoubled its effort by 50 percent after the Governor’s inspection of the Road on October 28, 2025.

“I thank God for His intervention in the political impasse that was trying to slow down the pace of development in the State.”

The Traditional Ruler, who doubles as PRO of Asarama Divisional Council of Traditional Rulers and Secretary Asarama Town Council of Traditional Rulers said traditional rulers in his domain would continue to support the efforts of Government at all levels to ensure security and development in the area.

He also appealed to the State Government to intervene in the abandoned Asarama, Engendem, Unyeada Ring Road in the area.

It would be recalled that the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, on October 28, 2025, visited the Andoni Atlantic Ocean shoreline to inspect the 13-kilometre road project currently under construction.

The road, when completed, will provide direct access to the beach and link Oyorokoto — a fishing settlement in — to Ngo, the headquarters of Andoni Local Government Area which has since been linked to mainland Ogoni by the Governor.