Niger Delta

CSOs Condemn Protest In Rivers

Published

6 years ago

July 19, 2019

The Chairman, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), Rivers State, Comrade Sotonye George, has condemned the demonstration by some groups that called themselves CSOs in respect of the recent killings in the state, as the body is in synergy with the government on how to proffer solution on the issue.
Comrade George, who made the condemnation while reacting to the protest in a chat with our correspondent in Port Harcourt yesterday said they were in tune with the Rivers State Government to form community policing or the Neighbourhood Security Watch to assist the police and other security agents on proactive policing and crime prevention, stressing that the Neighbourhood Security Watch would fish out the criminals in the society as people perpetrating crime and report same to the law enforcement agents for prompt action.
According to him, the Rivers State Government is intensifying efforts to stop the killing and kidnapping in the state, however noted that Community Policing or Neighbourhood Security Watch will come to stay or operate in Rivers State as it is in other states like Lagos, Delta, Ondo, Anambra, Abia and some Northern areas as civilian JTF to work in synergy with the security agents to curb crime and criminality as they could be able to identify those perpetrating the crimes.
The CSO boss in the State called on the Federal Government to allow the Neighbourhood Security Watch or Community Policing to operate in Rivers State rather than politicizing it for security of lives and property.
He opined that the protest by the group that claimed to be CSO is a blackmail, illegal, politically motivated to drive away investors in Rivers State, pointing out that it is being sponsored by enemies of the State and that they would not fold their hands to see those disgruntled elements in disguise drag the name of civil society organization to the mud.
He enjoined the Rivers State Government and the good people of the state to disregard their protest because they did not represent the voice of the organisation in Rivers State, asking those protesters to properly channel their grievances and not to hide under the guise of killings in the State.
“They should partner with the Police to curb violence and crime in Rivers State”.
Comrade George reiterated, and called on the youths and other enemies of the state to desist forthwith and engage in meaningful activities that would encourage investors to come and do business in the state.

Niger Delta

NDDC Begins N50,000 Monthly Payment To 10,000 N’Delta Youths

Published

2 hours ago

February 7, 2025

The Tide

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has begun the payment of N50,000 monthly stipends to 10,000 indigenous youths from the Niger Delta under its Youths Internship Scheme.

The Director of Corporate Affairs at the NDDC, Mrs Seledi Thompson-Wakama, disclosed this to journalists in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital, yesterday.

She explained that the beneficiaries would undergo practical, hands-on training across the various organisations for 12 months to develop critical skills.

Recall that during the inauguration of the scheme on July 31, 2024, Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, had announced the Federal Government’s approval of a N50,000 monthly stipend for the trainees.

According to Thompson-Wakama, the commission has successfully completed the selection process and has begun placing trainees in organisations to gain practical experience.

“Consequently, with the completion of these phases, the payment of the monthly stipends has also commenced,” she announced.

She revealed that the 10,000 beneficiaries were transparently selected from over 3.2 million youths who registered for the empowerment programme.

“This unprecedented response highlights the immense potential and aspirations of our youths to improve themselves.

“NDDC remains steadfast in ensuring this life-changing opportunity reaches the most deserving candidates, creating a lasting impact and paving the way for a brighter future,” she stated.

Thompson-Wakama explained that the scheme had enabled the commission to collate essential data, including the qualifications, skills, interests, needs, and employment status of the youths in the region.

The data, she explained, would guide the commission in designing programmes tailored to address the unique challenges faced by young people.

She disclosed that the NDDC partnered with KPMG, a global audit and consultancy firm, to enhance the commission’s corporate governance framework.

“KPMG has produced a Governance Advisory Report that will serve as a tool to support the commission’s transition from a transaction-based to a transformation-focussed policy,” Thompson-Wakama added.

The director commended the youths for their patience and cooperation during the selection process for the scheme.

Niger Delta

Oborevwori Tasks Public Officers On Selflessness

Published

3 hours ago

February 7, 2025

The Tide

Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has charged public office holders in the state to put the interest of the people above self in the discharge of their duties.

The Governor gave the charge when the new executive of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), State Chapter, led by Bishop Abos Willie, called on him at Government House, Asaba.

He said it was the lack of fear of God that made some public office holders to put themselves above the collective interest of the people.

Oborevwori attributed the successes so far recorded by his administration in the last 19 months to divine directive and God’s providence and pledged to continue to put God first in the governance of the state.

He congratulated members of the new PFN executive in the state on their successful election and promised to synergies with them in advancing the M.O.R.E Agenda of his administration.

“First, let me congratulate the new executive members of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Delta state Chapter.

“As an administration, we are grateful to God for the successes that we have recorded so far.

“It is by divine wisdom that we have been able to judiciously allocate resources that meet competing needs and made the right choices and decisions.

“As a government, we are determined to continue to trust God for wisdom, guidance and direction to successfully execute the programmes that we have outlined under the M.O.R.E Agenda.

“I know that, in partnership with the Christian body, we will succeed because, as an Elder in the Living Faith Church, we put God first in everything that we do.

“We are elected or appointed to serve interest of the people and not for our personal interest; as such, the interest of the people should come first.

“By the time you put the interest of the people first, you will succeed but when you put your personal interest first, you will fail”, he said.

He said his administration was committed to doing those things that would positively impact on the lives of the people at the grassroots.

“l want to assure you that, as a government, we will continue to partner with relevant stakeholders in order to move the state forward”, Oborevwori said.

He implored the PFN and the church to continue to pray for the state and the nation, affirming that God was needed to reverse the ugly trend in the country.

Earlier, the State PFN Chairman, Bishop Abos Willie, said the visit was not only to introduce the new executive to the governor but to also congratulate him on his giant strides and recognition by the ThisDay Newspaper and Arise Television as the Governor -of -The -Year.

Willie reminded the Governor of the need to sustain zero tolerance for shoddy projects, stressing that the bold step would stamp out the syndrome of abandonment of projects in the state.

He outlined the programmes of his administration to include the value of the Holy Bible, religious harmony, integrity in Christianity and value of being born again.

He, however, urges the state government support in achieving the set goals

Niger Delta

C’ River Committed To Mangrove Restoration – Gov

Published

4 hours ago

February 7, 2025

The Tide

Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, last Wednesday reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to tackling climate change by advocating for the restoration of the state’s mangroves.

Otu made this remark during a courtesy visit by officials of the National Council on Climate Change Secretariat, highlighting the state’s proactive stance as the first to enact a Climate Change Law.

Emphasising the importance of collective action in addressing environmental challenges, he called for greater support for ongoing projects and increased investment in training and awareness initiatives at the community level.

“Our mangroves have suffered, but we are working on sustainable solutions. This is a testament to our full support and commitment to climate action.

“Our roadmap is strong, and our people are ready to collaborate for a greener economy”, he said.

Also speaking during the visit, the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Council on Climate Change Secretariat, Dr. Nkiruka Maduekwe, commended the Cross River government for its leadership in climate governance.

Maduekwe, who is also a Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Change, described mangroves as Nigeria’s ‘low-hanging fruit’ in climate mitigation, highlighting their economic and environmental significance.

She noted that a stakeholder town hall meeting had been held in Calabar, the state capital, to establish a concrete roadmap for mangrove restoration and conservation.

“We are excited to see a state that has not only adopted the Climate Change Law but has also developed a solid framework for a green economy.

“While we continue to engage other states, Cross River stands out as a model in driving climate action”, she said.

She, however, stressed the need for a strong legal framework to ensure effective climate action, noting that operationalising a climate change fund would be crucial in attracting global financial support.

On her part, Dr Edu Effiom, Director-General of the Cross River Council on Climate Change, reiterated the state’s efforts in mangrove restoration and carbon investment, noting that significant progress was being made.