Author: Emmanuel Obe

Former militant leader and prominent Niger Delta youth leader, Osaanya B. Osaanya, has alleged that campaigns against NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, are being orchestrated by those promoting a “core Ijaw agenda.” Osaanya claims that these individuals, primarily from Bayelsa State, are unhappy with Ogbuku’s appointment, believing that someone from a “core Ijaw” local government should have been chosen instead. He further suggests that their anger is fueled by Ogbuku’s performance and alignment with President Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.” Osaanya criticized this “parochial and primitive mentality,” arguing that it has hindered Bayelsa’s development. He insisted that any attempt to…

Target Segibo, Chairman of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area (LGA), has expressed deep concern over the severe impact of a recent oil spill at Obololi. Segibo attributed the leak to a pipeline operated by Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC) and criticized the company’s lack of responsiveness to the challenges faced by its host communities. Following an on-the-spot assessment, Segibo described the pollution as extensive, noting that the community’s only water source has been heavily contaminated. He explained that the leak, which occurred on Sunday, originated from a ruptured underwater pipeline laid in 1973. The Chairman lamented SPDC’s neglect…

Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC) and Bayelsa government are collaborating to conserve the biodiversity of Taylor Creek Forest Reserve in Yenagoa Local Government Area. According to a press statement by Mrs. Gladys Afam-Anadu, Shell’s Media Relations Manager, Shell and Bayelsa recently inaugurated the Gbaran Biodiversity Action Plan (Gbaran BAP). Afam-Anadu said more than 150 people from Taylor Creek Forest Reserve communities have been trained in alternative livelihood skills to reduce exploitation of resources at the forest. The trainees acquired skills in aquaculture, beekeeping, goat rearing, snail and cassava/plantain farming and grasscutter technology and were given packs to…

The National Oil Spills Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) has said that it has received a report of an oil spill incident at Obololi, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa. The leak from the 16 inch Nun River-Kolo Creek pipeline has been discharging huge volumes of crude oil into River Nun and impacting adjoining areas. A statement signed by Mr. Chukwuemeka Woke, Director-General of NOSDRA made available on Thursday in Yenagoa to reporters stated that incident was being investigated. Woke explained that the agency got a report of the incident on Monday and convened a Joint Investigative Visit (JIV)…

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has explained that in the heat of political crisis staged against his administration in 2023, he committed to improving the welfare of Rivers workers in order to have a well-motivated workforce to achieve the goals of the Rivers First mantra. The Governor stated that the resultant industrial harmony has now become unprecedented as workers feel more valued, supported, and resolved to be more productive on an increased efficiency and profitability scale. Governor Fubara gave the explanation while inaugurating the one-storey twin-building Labour House constructed by the administration of Governor Douye Diri, in Yanagoa City,…

Former Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Chairman, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, has urged the Federal Government to prioritize stability within the commission’s leadership. Speaking at a management board retreat in Lagos, Ndoma-Egba emphasized the detrimental effects of frequent leadership changes on project completion and regional development. He advocated for allowing boards to complete their statutory tenures, citing the law’s provision for eight years of service (four years, renewable once) as an indication of the drafters’ intent for continuity. Ndoma-Egba also called for a review of the Niger Delta Regional Development Master Plan, emphasizing stakeholder ownership, particularly from state governments. NDDC Executive…

Renowned language expert and professor of French at Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port Harcourt, Prof. Priye Iyalla-Elechi Amadi, has said that a society whose members do not update themselves through reading would always fall prey to false information with all the dangers that come with it. Prof. Iyalla stated this while delivering the keynote address at the World Book Giving Day event at Faustinah Ojoba Walter-Akpana Resource Centre in Bakana, Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State hosted by Havids Centre for Environment and Development. The programme featured book reading by students of Oba-Ama High School, Bakana and a…

The Chief Whip of Eleme Legislative Assembly and councillor representing Alesa Ward 1, Hon. Obele Humphrey Dada, has embarked on a road development project in the ward to mark his 100 days in office. During the inspection of the sites, Hon. Obele, said the project would have a positive impact on the community as it will attract investors and improve access to local farmers. “This is particularly significant for the women in the community, who play a vital role in agriculture and will greatly benefit from the improved infrastructure,” he said. The councillor’s efforts to upgrade the roads in Alesa…

Governor Fubara has sworn in the chairman and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly (RSHA) Service Commission and the Local Government Service Commission. He charged the RSHA commission to enforce discipline and promote best practices among legislative staff. He emphasized the importance of productivity and high standards in legislative services. Regarding the Local Government Service Commission, Governor Fubara directed them to address issues of ghost workers and inflated payrolls to ensure the effective implementation of the N85,000 minimum wage for local government workers. He also instructed them to address staff stagnation and ensure timely promotions. He urged the…

Baptist High School, Port Harcourt in Rivers has floated a scholarship programme where public spirited individuals and corporate organizations could choose and part-sponsor the education of one or more students of the institution. Tagged, Scholarship Support Programme, the programme sponsors could provide 25, 50, 75 or even 100 percent of the tuition and other fees of the student they choose to support. Sponsorship can also be extended to academically gifted or sports-talented students. “At Baptist High School, Port Harcourt, we believe in unlocking potential through education and sports. You now have the opportunity to sponsor a student’s journey by contributing…