Coalition Urges Politicians Not To Escalate Tension In A’Ibom

Published

2 days ago

February 14, 2025

The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations has urged politicians in Akwa Ibom State not to escalate political tensions in the state in order to ensure sustainable peace and development.

At a press conference, the National Coordinator, Mr. Franklyn Isong, said those already elected into leadership positions should be allowed to work.

Isong urged the political class to wait until ban on political activities was lifted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

He said it was too early to engage in unhealthy political activities, saying “2027 is still far, this early politicking can affect governance and development”.

The Coordinator said the coalition was aware of plots by some politicians to destabilise governance in Akwa Ibom State.

“As a body, we frown at this, and we are raising the flag against the plot to pile up unhealthy political climate ahead of the 2027 political season.

“Those involved in this plot should call themselves to order, their activities are capable of stifling governance in the state.

“We urge politicians across party lines to close ranks and work towards the unity, progress and development of Akwa Ibom and Nigeria at large”, he said.

Isong further said the coalition was committed to the sustenance of good governance, rule of law, transparency and accountability in the state.

Tai Agric Sector Gets Emergency Attention …As Chairman Distributes Farm Inputs, Inaugurates Technical Team

Published

1 day ago

February 14, 2025

The Tide

The Chairman of Tai Local Government Council of Rivers State, Hon. Matthew Nenu Bari Dike has declared a state of emergency in the agriculture sector of Tai local government.
Speaking while distributing farm implements and other agricultural support packages to the farmers at the council’s headquarters in Saakpenwa, yesterday, Dike challenged farmers to show their farms before requesting for financial assistance.
The council boss stated that as a government, they were committed to putting smiles on the faces of the people and assured that his administration would ensure that every person in the local government is happy.
“As a government we want to assure you that, we will stop at nothing to ensure you all are empowered and living happily”.
According to him, “the gesture is aimed at enhancing food production and security through agriculture, and enjoined all lovers of agriculture in the local government area to identify with the quest to redefine development through agriculture in the local government.
He encouraged everyone to cultivate the passion and return to agriculture, to guarantee self-reliance, maximum food production and security in the area.
His administration, he said, would purchase more yam seedlings in order to get greater production to encourage exportation beyond the shores of Nigeria.
“A boost in yam production will also empower farmers in the Local Government Area”, the elated chairman said.
In a related development, the Chairman has inaugurated a five, member Agricultural Technical Committee for the Local Government Area.
The committee is made up of Pst. Anderson Wariboko, Barr. Paul Newman,, Smith Nyor-Ue, Gladys Jumbo and Dr Keke Rammyson
Also speaking, the Director of Agriculture, Tai Local Government Area, Mr Anderson Wariboko revealed that the event was part of activities to mark the chairman’s 100 days in office.
Wariboko who led the chairman, and other leaders of the council on the distribution of the farm inputs to the farmers, was full of praises for the chairman, Hon. Dike whom he said has the interest of the people at heart.

Kiadum Edookor

Niger Delta

Commissioner Charges NYSC Members On Opportunities In Edo

Published

2 days ago

February 14, 2025

The Tide

Edo State State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Emmanuel Paddy, has charged members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) deployed to the state to see opportunities in difficult situations as they await their postings.

Addressing the corps members at the orientation camp in Okada, about 40 kilometres from Benin City, Paddy urged them to be focused, build strong networks, and embrace a mindset of value addition.

“If you can think it, you can achieve it. The story of Governor Monday Okpebholo is enough to inspire you that no dream is too big.

“Though the number of out-of-school children is rising, your resilience has brought you this far, and today, you stand as an NYSC member.

“Let this be a stepping stone to greater achievements”, he said.

The Commissioner stressed the importance of making deliberate choices in life, particularly in their careers and personal associations.

“You must choose your company wisely because it will determine who will accompany you in life. Do not surround yourself with dream killers.

“Take action with passion, and it will yield results. Above all, pray before venturing into anything”, he advised.

Paddy, however, expressed confidence in the corps members’ ability to contribute meaningfully to Edo’s development.

“I saw the youthful population, ready to act and contribute to society. I saw the energy and drive.

“Obviously, we expect you to bring your passion to improve our educational system and the state at large”, he said.

He assured the NYSC members of the state government’s commitment to creating opportunities for young people through policy reforms and strategic partnerships.

Earlier in her welcome address, the State Coordinator of NYSC, Mrs Frances Ben-Ushie, commended the State Government for its commitment to youth development.

Ben-Ushie said over 80 per cent of the corps members would be deployed to the education sector.

“These young men and women have undergone physical and intellectual training, leadership development, and specialised programmes such as the SDGs initiative, SERVICOM, and Safety Vanguard.

“They are ready to make an impact in their assigned communities”, she stated.

She further highlighted the importance of the commissioner’s visit, saying it provided corps members with direct interaction with a key stakeholder in the state’s education sector.

“This session is crucial because it allows the corps members to meet someone who is already making a difference in capacity building, philanthropy, and human capital development.

“It will prepare you mentally to serve effectively in the communities”, she added.

Niger Delta

Jonathan’s Kinsmen Pass Confidence Vote On Tinubu … Praise President On Ogbuku’s Reappointment

Published

2 days ago

February 14, 2025

The Tide

Former President Goodluck Jonathan’s Ogbia Kinsmen have passed vote of confidence on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

The kinsmen on Monday convoked a press conference in which the nation’s first citizen was lauded for his leadership qualities.

Ogbia Kingdom, which has visible presence in both Rivers and Bayelsa State, is noted for its vast array of land suitable for agricultural produce.

The Kingdom also has vast reserves of oil and gas, which was first struck in commercial quantity in 1956 at Otabagi-Oloibiri communities in the present Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State by Shell BP.

In an address delivered by the Acting National Chairman of the apex parent socio-cultural organization of the kingdom, the “Ogbia Brotherhood worldwide”, Dr. Azibalaguo Seibofa, the group while appreciating the President for finding their son, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, worthy to be appointed as Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), called on the nation’s leader to discountenance faceless groups allegedly calling for the sack of the agency’s boss.

The Kingdom, which prides itself as the goose that lays the golden egg, leading to massive exploration and exploitation of hydrocarbons, called on all well meaning Nigerians, especially the Niger Delta region, to support and partner the current management of the NDDC headed by Ogbuku for the growth and development of the region in various spheres.

Meanwhile, grand monarch of the kingdom, His Eminence, King Dumaro Charles Owaba, has lamented the neglect of the kingdom in spite of its socio-economic relevance to the nation.

“Ogbia is where oil was first struck in commercial quantity and contributing to the economic development of the country, yet it lacks basic infrastructural development compared to what have been taken from the area”, the monarch said.

The kinsmen, who also lamented moves by some mischievous persons threatening to organize protests against the NDDC helmsman, warned that such a move would be counter productive, noting that they are peace loving and want people of the Niger Delta region to emulate their peaceful disposition, while extending their thanks for their cooperation and support for the NDDC helmsman.

“We want to thank former President Muhamadu Buhari on the appointment of our son, Dr. Samuel Ogboku, and also we express our sincere gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his reappointment”, the Kingdom said.

The people further expressed satisfaction for the developmental strides of the NDDC under Ogboku’s leadership, adding that since his assumption of office, tremendous progress and unparalleled development have been achieved with various projects littered across the Niger Delta region.

They also relived the contributions of the first civilian governor of old Rivers State, the late Chief Melford Okilo, on his educational, canalization and development of new towns during his tenure as Governor.

Dignitaries present at the event include various clan heads of the kingdom from both Bayelsa and Rivers States.

Others are prominent Chiefs, traditional rulers, youths and women groups of the kingdom.

Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa