Niger Delta
University Decries Encroachment On Land
Authorities of Delta State University, Anwai campus, near Asaba, are complaining about alleged increased rate of encroachment and dumping of refuse on its land by unknown persons.
The Provost of the campus, Prof. Patrick Igbigbi, said in an interview with newsmen in Asaba Sunday, that the developments had continued in spite of efforts to contain it.
Igbigbi said the developments on the university’s land on Illah Road were noticed a year ago.
He said the management of the institution had approached the Ministry of Environment for assistance in addressing the issue.
“We also approached the Ministry of Lands for assistance, especially to assess and demolish all structures built on the land by members of the public,” he said.
The provost disclosed that the Ministry of Lands demanded N1.5 million from the university before it could demolish illegal property on the land.
He said that the encroachment, including a sprawling refuse dumpsite, was more on the part of the land being used as demonstration farms by Agricultural Science students of the institution.
While decrying the refusal of the ministries to assist the university, Igbigbi urged the state Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, to prevail on the ministries to address the matter.
He said that the encroachment, especially the large-scale dumping of refuse on the land, was going on because the land was not fenced.
Igbigbi stressed that the school lacked funds to secure the land and described the development as a matter of “great concern and embarrassment” to the university.
He appealed to the government to tackle the matter decisively, saying that the school was becoming helpless on the issue.
The Commissioner for Environment, Chief Frank Omare, confirmed receipt of the complaint from the university and said he had directed the matter to the Waste Management Board for action.
At the board, the Chairman, Chief Olori Magege, said that the waste dumped on the land had been evacuated by the agency.
Magege said that the board promptly intervened in the evacuation of the refuse and burning of the site as soon as the university’s complaint reached his office.
He described the dump site as illegal, saying measures had been put in place by the board to ensure that anyone caught dumping refuse on the land would be arrested and prosecuted.
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.
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.