Niger Delta
FG To Spend N3.3b On Qua Fall Dam
The Federal Government is to spend N3.3 billion on the construction of Qua Fall and Irrigation project at Akamkpa, Cross River.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Water Resources, Mr Godknows Igali, made the plan known last Monday at the launch of the construction of the dam and irrigation project in Akamkpa.
According to Igali, the project’s design includes the construction of an earth-fill embankment dam, which is 26m high and 530 metres long.
He said that the project would provide a reservoir with capacity for 68 million cubic metres of raw water.
According to him, the project will provide hydropower component of about 16 megawatts with a potential of 36 megawatts when Ikpan dam is constructed and connected through a diversion canal of approximately 4.3km long.
“The construction of the dam was awarded at cost of N3.3 billion to Messrs Infiouest International Limited.
“A supervising consultant, Damtech Nigeria ltd is expected to complete the project in 24 months with a 12-month maintenance period,“ Igali said.
He said that the project was part of the Federal Government’s efforts to sustain development of Nigeria’s natural resources for the economic empowerment of the people.
“The construction of the Qua Fall dam marks our resolve in ensuring rural transformation through its multipurpose use for water supply, food production, hydro-electric power generation, tourism, employment creation and food security.“
Igali said that the Qua falls multipurpose dam was designed to supply water to several communities and 500 hectares of farmlands downstream of the dam.
Sen. Ewa Henshaw (PDP-Cross River South) said that the Qua fall project when completed would provide potable water for people of the area.
He said the project was to complement the effort of the state government in the provision of critical infrastructure and social amenities to the people of the state.
Henshaw said that there was a big water scheme in Biakpa in Biase Local Government Area, which cost N450 million.
He said that the project would provide more than 1,000 jobs for youths and women in the area.
“This project if succeeded will put over 1,000 Cross River families in employment,’’ he said.
Henshaw said that the project would provide irrigation for about 2,000 hectares for dry season farming, fishery, recreation, tourism facilities and electricity generation.
Earlier, Governor Liyel Imoke of Cross River said that the project if properly executed, the people of Akamkpa would have tremendous economic benefit and multiplier effects on the economy.
Imoke said that the two faces of the project when completed, the state would be an island with steady electricity supply.
He urged the communities to cooperate with the contractor in respect of youth restiveness, community unrest and unreasonable demands.
Imoke assured the contractors and the Federal Government that they would not experience any delay in the execution of the job and urged the ministry to complete the project within 24 months.
Mr Denis Nkiri, the Chairman of Akamkpa Local Government Area, said the dam was capable of turning around the agricultural fortunes of the people.
Nkiri advised the company to liaise with the council, especially on issues dealing with the communities and security.
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.