Niger Delta
Dickson Moves To Harmonise Oil Firms Projects
The Governor of Bayelsa State Chief Seriake Dickson, says he plans to sponsor a Bill that will provide a legal framework that seeks to co-ordinate project execution of multinational oil companies operating in the state.
Governor Dickson disclosed this during a meeting he held with a delegation of Shell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC led by the Managing Director, Mr. Mutiu Sunmonu in Government House, Yenagoa.
The Governor said the measure was to enable his administration keep track of projects embarked upon by oil companies and interventionist agencies in order to avoid duplication in projects execution.
Chief Dickson, who observed that this move would go a long way in mitigating crisis in communities said when the bill is ready, companies and agencies will be expected to make their input with a view to facilitating the over-all development of the state.
The State Chief Executive also intimated SPDC of governments plan to unfold a Bayelsa Public Private Partnership Initiative (PPI) to enable the present administration pursue and actualise the restoration agenda for the state.
Describing SPDC as a major partner over the years, he solicited the company’s collaboration in a number of areas which include human capital development, employment, health service delivery and the construction of major roads under the proposed PPI arrangement.
Hon. Dickson who commended SPDC for its involvement in the construction of the Ogbia – Nembe road project as well as that of Tombia –Etegwe, however expressed dissatisfaction over the way and manner the project was being handled.
According to him, there is the need to re-appraise the Tombia-Etegwe road contract which is being jointly funded by SPDC and the state government to ensure its speedy completion.
He pointed out that SPDC needed to make payment of taxes and levies on their Gbarain/Ubie integrated Gas Gathering plant facility.
Speaking, the Managing Director of Shell Petroleum Development Company, Mr. Mutiu Sunmonu requested government’s assistance to enable the company gain unhindered access to 3 of the 24 communities impacted by the pollution to mop up the spill.
Mr. Sunmonu also drew the attention of government to the issue of crude oil theft, which he noted, had resulted to significant production loss, and urged government to look into the problem and proffer solution.
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.