Flood: Humanitarian Affairs Minister visits Bayelsa to hand over relief items, empathises with victims

The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, Hajia Sadiya Farouq, on Tuesday visited Bayelsa to commiserate with the people and government of the state on the impact of the flood.

The minister had earlier told State House Correspondents that Bayelsa was not among the 10 most impacted states in the 2022 flood disaster that affected 33 states.

The Bayelsa government questioned the parameters used by the Minister in the ranking and released its own data that showed that the stated recorded 96 deaths, while some 1.2 million residents were displaced.

FG commences disbursement of interest-free loans to 828 beneficiaries in Bayelsa

The Federal Government distributed interest-free loans to 828 entrepreneurs on Tuesday in Bayelsa under its Government Enterprise Empowerment Programme 2.0 (GEEP 2.0) scheme.

Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Hajia Sadiya Farouq said beneficiaries were entitled to between N50,000 and N300,00.

She added that they needed no collateral security to obtain the loan to develop or expand their businesses.

N/Delta group applauds NDDC, Umana, for fixing damaged portions of East-West road

The Niger Delta Accountability for Progress (NDAP) has applauded the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Umana Okon Umana  fofixing  sections of the East-West Road destroyed  by flood.

 

The NDAP observed on Tuesday that the immediate intervention by the NDDC to repair the road and facilitate movement was an indication that the new leadership of the commission meant business and understood the mandate of the commission as an interventionist agency.

 

Bayelsa Govt restates commitment to sustainable funding quality education

The Bayelsa government on Saturday restated its commitment to sustained funding of educational development from diverse sources in Bayelsa.

Mr Gentle Emelah, Commissioner for Education in Bayelsa gave the assurance at the closing ceremony of the 2022 Summer Class, Coding and Robotics Holiday Camping for selected senior secondary students in Bayelsa.

Students from the Ijaw National Academy (INA), Kaiama led other schools by sweeping the academic awards at the ceremony.

Fire at Eroton's oil fields in Rivers being contained, says NOSDRA

The National Oil Spills Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) says the fire incident at two oil wells operated by Eroton Exploration and Production Limited (EEPL) is being contained.

South-East, South-South APC youths kick off Jogging from Yenagoa to Lagos for Tinubu

All Progressives Congress (APC) youths in South-East and South-South on Thursday commenced a jogging from Yenagoa to Lagos for drum support for the party’s presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu.

 

 

The youths under the auspices of South-East/South-South Jogging for Tinubu Campaign Initiative constituted a team of fitness enthusiasts to embark on the sis day jogging exercise.

 

Pipeline surveillance contract, MOSIEND urges N/Delta region to close ranks

The Movement for the Survival of Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND) in Thursday urged people of the Niger Delta not to allow recent award of pipeline surveillance to divide them,

Amb Kenedy Tonjo-West, MOSIEND President who spoke to newsmen in Yenagoa, said that some actions by aggrieved individuals and groups including frivolous petitions  disparaging political office holders, ultimatums were regrettable.

 

Pipeline Surveillance Contract: N/Delta leader advocates inclusion of peace advocates

Dr Onyifie Jonjon, a peace advocate in the Niger Delta has called for a review of the reward system that patronises violence prone people and neglect of the law abiding in the peace process.

Jonjon, a former President of Ijaw Youths Council (IYC), who spoke in Yenagoa on Sunday, noted that those who brokered the amnesty peace deal were sidelined and left out.

NOSDRA confirms fire incidents at Eroton's oil field in Rivers

The National Oil Spills Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) on Tuesday confirmed that it was in receipt of a report of a fire incident at two oil wells operated by Eroton Exploration and Production Limited (EEPL).

Mr Idris Musa, Director-General of NOSDRA said that the twin incidents occured at Akaso Wells 14 and 4T Wellheads, Rivers on  Monday.

Ex- security Adviser to Bayelsa Govt, Gov Diri disagree on transparency

Chief Richard Kpodoh, a former Special Adviser to the Bayelsa government on security matters and Gov Douye Diri have held divergent views on transoarency in public finances in the state.

Kpodoh alleged that the government's projects were shrouded in secrecy and mismanagement of several billions of naira that has accrued to the state internally generated revenue.

However, the government said it was transparent and prudent in the management of the state's resources.

Speaking on Wednesday, Kpodoh said that as a patriotic citizen, he cannot keep quiet without asking questions on how the state funds are managed.

He expressed sadness that while people in the state were in penury, few persons are diverting millions from public coffers.

He noted that the deliberate stoppage of the AIT-Elebele road,five star hotel amongst others that were initiated by previous administrations by y Diri's government is a clear demonstration of diversionary leadership and loss of focus by the governor and a cabal who daily sit around him with gossips.

Speaking on the transparency initiative that was started by the immediate past administration, Kpodoh called on Diri to go beyond briefing selected journalists and publish monthly income and expenditure in national and dailies.

 

"I cannot be part of a milipidic  train that has no clear vision other than deceiving the electorate and impoverishing them.

"Some of us are taking stock and at the appropriate time,we will file legal action against the state government, some ministries, agencies and individuals that are being used as conduit pipes.

"The man is busy recruiting hundreds of untrained social media influencers and paying them salaries that not even grade level nine civil servants are earning", Kpodoh said.

Reacting on the allegations of secrecy in ongoing projects, Mr Ayibaina Duba, Bayelsa Commissioner for Information dismissed the claims as baseless and false as details of every contract were displayed on signboards at project sites.

Duba, who listed ongoing projects and details in a statement wondered why Kpodoh would claim that publicly available information was being kept secret.

Duba,  noted that, aside from the fact that contractors and even consultants involved in roads or building projects are often displayed on boards at project sites, the projects are transformational and positively impacting the lives of Bayelsa people across the three senatorial zones of the state.

According to him,  as a government founded on openness and transparency, the government, through the media, keeps people of Bayelsa abreast of all projects approved by the state executive council disclosing necessary details including costs. 

Gas leak from vandalised Agip's pipeline in Bayelsa under control, repairs underway

Monday's gas leak reported at a pipeline operated in Bayelsa by the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) has been brought under control, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

Our Correspondent monitoring the incident site reports that the gas leak under very high pressure and resulting noise from the discharge has ceased.

Gas Export dips by 5 MMSCF as Suspected vandals blow up Agip's 24” Ogboinbiri/OB-OB gas pipeline in Bayelsa.

Nigeria's gas export feed to the Nigeria Liquified Natural Gas (NLNG) has been cut by 5 million Standard Cubic Meters per day (MMSCM/d) following reported vandalism on the 24” Ogboinbiri/OB-OB at  Azikoro community in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa.

Residents near the incident site say they head sound of explosions on Tuesday morning in the area and saw small batteries and wires suspected to the used by  the suspected vandals to detonate Improvised Explosive Device.

The gas pipeline operated by Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) was vandalised thrice in April 2022.

SNEPCo schedules 200,000 bpd Bonga FPSO for Turnaround Maintenance in Oct

Shell Nigeria Exploration

and Production Company Limited (SNEPCo) on Sunday said its 200,000 barrels per day capacity Bonga Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel has been scheduled for Turnaround Maintenance (TAM) in Oct.

The oil firm announced the development in a statement by Mrs Abimbola Essien-Nelson, its Media Relations Manager

PROF MONDY GOLD

Professor Mondy Selle Gold was born on September 16, 1957, by HRH Kanyareye Gold and Ma Bede Gold (Nee Ozikozi) from Torugbene, a border community in both Bayelsa and Delta States. 

Dikio congratulates successor, drums support by N/Delta stakeholders

 

The immediate past Interim Administrator, Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), has congratulated his successor, Maj.-Gen. Barry Ndiomu (retd) on his appointment.

Dikio in a statement on Friday expressed confidence that Ndiomu would build and expand the foundation he laid to transform ex-agitators into net contributors to the economy.

Environmentalist lists measures to reverse adverse effects of climate change

A renowned Environmentalist , Dr Nnimmo Bassey on Thursday said that the adverse effects of climate change, notably floods, rising temperatures and drought were due to abuse of rights of nature.

The Environmentalist explained that climate change was nature's way of reacting to human activities that distort its dynamics and balance.

Bassey, Executive Director, Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), who spoke at a virtual forum titled “Conversations with Nature” attributed the current climate crisis to the dependence on fossil fuels.

Oil Spill at Shell's field at Peremabiri in Bayelsa traced to equipment failure

The Aug. 24 leak from Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC) facilities at Peremabiri in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa has been traced to equipment failure.

Joint Investigation Visit (JIV) to the incident site on Sept. 5 and 6, concluded that the spill incident in the area was caused by equipment failure.

A field report of the JIV by National Oil Spills Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) sighted by oir reporter indicated that the leak was due to operational mishap that discharged crude oil within SPDC's operational area with no impact on third party area.

Ijaw Progressives condemn smear campaign against PAP Boss Dikio.

The Watchdog for Progressive Ijaw (WPI) on Tuesday condemned ongoing smear campaigns sponsored by few selfish politicians and other enemies of the Niger Delta against the Interim Administrator, Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Col. Milland Dixon Dikio (retd).

The Coordinator, WPI, Mr. Lambart Olambo, in a statement  said their investigations revealed that the motive behind the campaign is against the general interests of the Niger Delta, aimed at deny Dikio his well-deserved reappointment and confirmation as the substantive coordinator of the programme.

Ijaw Progressives condemn smear campaign against PAP Boss Dikio.

The Watchdog for Progressive Ijaw (WPI) on Tuesday condemned ongoing smear campaigns sponsored by few selfish politicians and other enemies of the Niger Delta against the Interim Administrator, Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Col. Milland Dixon Dikio (retd).

The Coordinator, WPI, Mr. Lambart Olambo, in a statement  said their investigations revealed that the motive behind the campaign is against the general interests of the Niger Delta, aimed at deny Dikio his well-deserved reappointment and confirmation as the substantive coordinator of the programme.

At least 3,000 supporters of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), in Akwa Ibom at the weekend defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), to support the Bola Tinubu presidential ambition ahead 2023 polls.

The PDP faithful under the aegis of G-100 were led by their leader, Chief Sunday Ekwai and were received into the APC by Wilson, during the inauguration of the state chapters of PRIFGLA, and The Asiwaju Group in Uyo.

Ignore Wike at your peril, Rivers PDP chief warns Atiku, party

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State, Princewill Dike, has said embarrassing defeat stares the Presidential Candidate of the party, Alh. Atiku Abubakar, in the face if he ignores the demands of the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike and his camp.

Dike blames Atiku and the national leadership of the party for mismanaging an internal crisis he said should have been nipped in the bud before it loomed large.

Bayelsa Govt. disburses N84 m cash grant to 420 SMEs

The Bayelsa Government on Teusday disbursed a cash grant of N84 million to 420 Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) operators who hailed from the state.

Each of the beneficiaries got a cash grant of N200,000.

 

The disbursements were for the months of June and July 2022.

We are investigating oil spill at Peremabiri, Bayelsa, says Shell.

The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria ( SPDC) on Monday said it was investigating a report of an oil spill from its asset at Ogboinbiri in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa.

 

 

 

An operational mishap on Aug. 24 at Diebu Creek Flowstation operated by SPDC discharged a yet-to-be ascertained volume of crude into the environment.

 

Peremabiri connunity in Bayelsa berates Shell for poor response to oil spill

The people of Peremabiri community in Bayelsa on Friday regretted the insensitivity, and neglect by the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC) over an oil spill that occurred two weeks 

 

 

The Chiefs, elders, youths and women groups in the coastal settlement on the banks of River Nun in Southern Ijaw Local Government said that the spill is yet to abate.

 

 

Army holds tactical training for troops, others in Bayelsa

The 16 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Yenagoa, has conducted a one-week tactical training for its troops and personnel of some security agencies in the state.

The training involved the Army, Navy, Police, Department of State Services, Immigration, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Civil Defence, among others.

The Brigade Commander, Brig.-Gen. Sadisu Yahaya, said that the tactical training was to sharpen the skills of the troops and other participants in internal security operations. 

Ijaw congress inaugurates committee on pipeline surveillance contract

The Ijaw National Congress (INC) on Friday inaugurated a committee to interface with some angry youth groups over the pipeline surveillance contract re-awarded to Chief Government Ekpemupolo.

 

Ekpemupolo, an ex-militant leader is a former commander of the defunct Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), also known as Tompolo.

Oil firm, Heritage announces 800 scholarships for OML 30 hosts in N/Delta

Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited (HEOSL), on Thursday announced the commencement of the OML 30 Scholarship intake process for 800vindigenes of its host communities in the Niger Delta.

HEOSL is the operator of the OML 30 joint venture between NNPC Exploration and Production Limited and Shoreline Natural Resources Limited (SNRL)

According to the oil firm,the scholarship process will run from August 19 till November 19, 2022 across the 112 communities for secondary and university applicants for the 2021/2022 academic year. 

Ex-Agitator wants Dikio appointed Substantive Coordinator of Amnesty Programme

An Ex-Agitator in the Niger Delta, Pastor Reuben Wilson has appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to appoint  Col. Milland Dikio (Rtd) as substantive Coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP).

Wilson, is founder of the Pastor Reuben Initiative for Good Leadership and Accountability, (PRIFGLA), an All Progressives Congress support group and South-South Coordinator of The Asiwaju Group (TAG).

Energy Transition in Africa should leverage on its gas reserves- NGA Scribe

Mr Odianosen Masade, an energy expert has urged the African continent to adopt a diversified approach to the energy transition quest and leverage on its abundant gas reserves.

 

 

Masada, Publicity Secretary of the Nigerian Gas Association (NGA) expressed the view in an interview on Monda in Yenagoa against the backdrop of rising global energy costs.

 

MR ODIANOSEN MASADR, P7BLICITY SECRETARY, NIGERIAN GAS ASSOCIATION 

N3.8bn lawsuits: N/Delta Ex-agitators urge Buhari to probe officials of justice ministry

A collation of ex-agitators under the auspices of Niger Delta Amnesty Beneficiary Forum (NDABF) has appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to probe some officials of the Ministry of Justice following abrupt transfer of legal officers attached to the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP).

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• The ex-agitators, who spoke in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, said the probe should be centred on the motive behind the transfer authorised by the Solicitor-General and the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Beatrice Jeddy-Agba.
  

FG commences disbursement of N20,000 cash grant to 2,2 19 vulnerable people in Bayelsa

The Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development has commenced the disbursement of cash grants of N20,000 each to 2,219 poor and vulnerable persons in Bayelsa.

 

The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development ,  Hajia  Sadiya Umar Farouq who performed the ceremony in Yenagoa on Friday, explained  that the beneficiaries were drawn from the eight local government areas of Bayelsa.

 

 

Some 500 beneficiaries of the social intervention programme were empowered at theceremony.

 

N/Delta group, MOSIEND urges FG to ignore campaign of calumny against Sylva

The Movement for Survival of Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND) on Saturday urged the Presidency to ignore ongoing campaigns of calumny targeted  against Chief Timipe Sylva, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources.

The group noted  with dismay that some unpatriotic individials envious of the performance of some political office holders have resorted to cheap blackmails to discredit them.

Alleged infidelity: Attacks on political foes diversionary, prove your allegations in court, estranged wife tells ex-Rep Uwak

Mrs Kezia Uwak, the estranged wife of a former House of Representatives member, Hon. Robinson Uwak, has asked him to stop chasing shadows and face the case she instituted against him in court.

Kezia gave the advice to his ex-husband in a statement on Wednesday and reminded him his attacks on political foes rather than face the accusation of beating her and his in-laws in addition to alleged forceful kidnapping of their little twin children were diversionary and mischievous.

She equally reminded Uwak that opportunities abound in court for him to prove his allegation of infidelity which she instituted against him. 

Uwak had recently alleged that Kezia was having an extra-marital affairs with Hon Benjamin Kalu, the Chairman of House of Representatives Committee on Media and Public Affairs.

Uwak, the former lawmaker who represented the Oron/Mbo/Okobo/Ure-Offong/Oruko and Udung-Uko Federal Constituency of Akwa Ibom State at the 7th National Assembly, had maintained that he would not apologise to Kalu over the allegation of an amorous relationship with his wife.

Kezia advised the former lawmaker to stop jumping from one media house to another in his quest to divert attention from the case against him that is pending in court. 

She said: "I don’t know how a man that beats his wife regularly without provocation will be making frivolous allegations of infidelity against her, even as the case of kidnapping of our children is still hanging on his head.

"It is baffling how a former lawmaker in the Federal Republic of Nigeria will be dragging his political misfortune into his failed family affairs. 

"He should be man enough to separate the two by confronting his political enemies with issues that affect his political life and avoid dragging his marital failure into issues that should not be associated with anyone outside both of us.

"I wish to reaffirm that during my marriage to Robinson Uwak, I never had anything to do with any other man, not via communication, no physical meetings and absolutely nothing whatsoever with any other man. 

 "I was a stay at home wife for Hon Robinson Uwak as he didn’t allow me to do any work but to always be indoors to take care of the house, which I did without hesitation. 

"I got pregnant two months after our wedding with our twins and considering how challenging a twin pregnancy can be, I was practically at home throughout the period of the pregnancy. After the successful delivery of the twins through Cesarean Section (CS), it took a while for me to recover from the surgery and was fully engaged with the task of taking care of our babies. 

"During that period of body healing, I was deprived of sleep, always stressed and not eating well. Being my first child bearing experience with twins, my entire life was dedicated to the care and well being of our new twin babies. 

"With all those sacrifices of staying at home and nursing new babies, it was a huge embarrassment to be accused of cheating by Robinson, which was unimaginable.

"Due to Robinson’s physical violence and abuse, the househelps we employed to assist me then kept leaving the job, as they were always looking very uncomfortable and scared in the house which forced the babies and myself to live all alone during those formative periods.

"Still, Robinson usually came back home to his new family within the early hours of each day without any form of assistance or support to me and the children.

"Even with his violent character, I equally managed to endure all the pains and sufferings just for the sake of the family and the love I had for our children.

 "In my efforts to build a happy family, I tried to do everything he asked of me until one morning that Robinson strangled me without any provocation. In order to save my life and that of our twins, I had to leave his house in search of safety somewhere."

The estranged wife said it still beat her imagination how her ex-husband was dragging his failed marriage into an already failed political life knowing that the National Assembly is not a family court where marital issues are handled.

 

She said: "Uwak should be ready to defend himself in court instead of sending petitions to the National Assembly or his sponsors who are interested in using our private life issues as a tool to their personal political advantage. 

"Hon Robinson Uwak should face the law by providing evidence within his disposal to prove his case of infidelity against me, instead of painting me black using the media platforms."

Environmentalist advocate, conservation, tree planting in N/Delta

Mr Azibaola Robert, an Environmental Rights activist, on Monday canvassed tree planting and conservation of the rainforests of the Niger Delta to protect the biodiversity of the region.

 

The environmentalist spoke during a bonfire night at his Otakeme community in the Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa.

 

Bayelsa APC Primaries: Party chieftain urges winners to unite with losers

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Bayelsa, Reuben Wilson on Tuesday advised candidates who emerge winners at the party's primary elections for the State and National Assembly to embrace those who lost

Wilson, who is the founder of Pastor Reuben Initiative for Good Leadership and Accountability, an APC support group, gave the advice and congratulations to winners in a statement issued in Yenagoa.

He urged all candidates of the party to shun enmity and segregation, but embrace all those who contested with them of they want to win at the general elections in 2023.

The APC chieftain called on those who participated in the party's primaries but lost not to see themselves as losers or failures, but rather take it as a stepping stone to their political victories for tomorrow.

"In the process of selection, it is only one person that will always emerge as the party's flag bearer. That doesn't mean that the person was better than the rest, but time and chance happeneth to them all."

"So, there was no victor, no vanquished. Everyone should stay calm and remain faithful in the interest of the party.

"The party's flag bearers should also work hard to break the cleavages of political sentiments and factions that have eaten the fabrics of the strength of our dear party, APC in Bayelsa." Wilson said.

According to him, the only way the party can win all seats, ranging from the Statr House of Assembly, House of Reps and Senate at the general elections in 2023, is for them to bring everyone together.

"We are facing an opposition in the state, so, there is the need for the candidates to go the extra mile to settle with the aggrieved persons in their respective constituencies and woo a massive support from within and outside our party to win at the general elections.

"The Pastor Reuben Initiative is primarily formed for this purpose, that is to sue for unity which it has been doing and galvanizing members within and outside the APC from all nooks and crannies in the state to enable the APC in Bayelsa State win all the seats at the general elections." He stated.

He added that the Initiative is open to all candidates of the party for synergy. 

NOSDRA reports Gas leakage fire from borehole drilling at Emene, Enugu

The National Oil Spills Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) says it has received reports of gas leak which has engulfed into a fire in Emene, Enugu State.

Mr Idris Musa, Director-General of NOSDRA, said on Thursday that the gas leakage was caused by water drilling activities which hit a gas reservoir at Emene in Enugu. 

Musa, who described the flammable gas discharged as natural gas, said that emergency response efforts were underway to avert disaster from the incident.

“There is a natural gas problem at a borehole drilling point at Caritas University, Emene, Enugu.

“In the course of drilling very deep to reach the aquifer, the drilling hit the gas level. 

“The Chief Executive of Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commision  (NUPRC) has been notified.

“The Zonal Head of National Emergency Management Agency has secured the assistance of both Federal and State Fire Services   

“Efforts are ongoing to secure more  technical assistance to bring the situation under control,” Musa said. 

Marginal Oilfields Licencing: Court restrains FG from issuing licences, fixes hearing for June 8

The Federal High Court sitting in Yenagoa has restrained the Federal Government from issuing licences for marginal oilfields in the Niger Delta pending determination of a pending suit.

Some Ijaw leaders had in 2020 approached the court seeking to halt licensing of marginal oilfields located in their domains, but following setbacks and delays suffered by the suit, the bid winners were announced on June 1, 2021.

According to the court order, sighted on Thursday in Yenagoa, presiding Justice Isa Dashen granted the injunction order in favour of the plaintiffs.

Plaintiff in the suit marked No. PHC/YEN/CS/81/2020 are Chief Brown Agu (Opu Agu VIII), Mrs Rosemary John-Oduone, President Ijaw Women Connect and Mr Femowei Friend on behalf of themselves and the Ijaw Ethnic Nationality. 

On the other hand, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, the Minister of Petroleum Resources and the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources are defendants in the suit.

The reliefs sought and granted by the court are: "That the respondents be restrained from further advertising and receiving bids in respect of the marginal fields.

"The defendants are also restrained from approving licences in respect of the marginal fields,"

 

It will be recalled that Dashen inherited the case from Justice Abimbola Awogboro following her transfer to the Lagos Division of the Federal High Court

 

The case has been fixed for June 8 for continuation of hearing and ruling on pending motions before the court. 

Meanwhile, a coalition of Ijaw groups in a reaction to the development in a statement issued on Thursday, urged the parties in the shit to obey and comply with the order of court.

"It has come to the attention of this coalition of Ijaw interest groups that following a suit filed by some patriotic Ijaw sons and daughter, the Federal High Court has granted an injunction restraining the Minister of Petroleum/Federal Government from proceeding any further with the award of marginal oil field licences pending the conclusion of the lawsuit.

"It is our expectation that all citizens and corporate organizations abide by this ruling," the coalition said.

The statement was signed by Efiye Bribena, Secretary, Ijaw Elders Forum (IEF), Lagos, Ben Okoro, Moderator, Ijaw Nation Forum (INF), Chief Amagbe D. Kentebe, BOT Chairman, Embasara Foundation, Hon. Iniruo Wills, President, Homeland Chapter Ijaw Professionals Association (IPA)

Others are, Tari Ekpebu President, Ijaw Professionals Association (IPA), Lagos, Ms. Annkio Briggs , BOT Chairperson, Ijaw Women Connect (IWC)

 

NCDMB applauds indegenous firm's partnership with Hyundai to build LPG Vessel

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) on Thursday applauded moves by indigenous shipping company, Temile Development Company to build a Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) vessel.

Temile on Wednesday signed a contract with Hyundai Mipo Dockyard (HMD) for the construction of a new 23,000 cubic meters LPG Carrier Vesse to boost domestic gas utilisation.

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The indigenous company also signed a separate agreement with NSML - an integrated maritime services subsidiary of Nigeria LNG Limited for the construction supervision of the vessel.

The LPG carrier vessel is the second that is being constructed by Temile sequel to the first vessel which was constructed in 2018 and is currently chartered to Nigeria LNG Limited for domestic LPG supply.

A statement by Mr Dan Ki!ile, Manager ,Corporate Communications at NCDMB said NCDMB commended the development  in a video message he delivered to the agreement signing ceremony held at the sidelines of the 2022 World Gas Conference in Daegu, South Korea.

The Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Mr. Simbi Wabote saluted Temile Development Company for its bullish initiative in investing in an area that is regarded as off-limits for local players.

He described the accomplishment as evidence of significant growth in capacity and confidence of local companies to play in the international arena and in complex areas of the oil and gas industry.

The new 23,000 cubic LPG/NH3/VCM Carrier to be constructed is a high-end specification vessel that has been designed by NSML in accordance with bespoke requirements using HMD’s highly efficient eco-design.

The new LPG carrier is expected for delivery on 26th July 2023 at HMD in Ulsan, Korea.

Wabote stated that the agreement signing event and subsequent construction and supervision of the contract aligns with the Board’s strategic plan of maximising the potentials in the Midstream and Downstream Sectors of theoil and gas sector.

According to him, the oil and gas industry strives to actualize the Decade of Gas policy of the Federal Government.  

“This project clearly supports our LPG penetration initiative in Nigeria and will further close the gap in LPG penetration in Nigeria.” the statement quoted Wabote as saying.

He stated further that the project will bring invaluable local content opportunities in technology and innovation, human capital development and research and development.

Wabote commended Hyundai for the work it was doing at the Brass Shipyard and other investment projects in Nigeria that will support the repair of vessels. 

He also applauded NLNG for the strategic initiative of deploying 100 percent LPG to the local market to close the gap in respect of LPG penetration in the country.

He said that the efforts by the NLNG has helped in reducing cost of cooking gas as well as creating a cleaner source of energy for Nigerians.

The statement quoted Temile’s Chief Executive, Mr. Alfred Temile as saying: ‘’We are delighted to execute the construction of our new LPG carrier with HMD.

"It is bringing onboard NSML to supervise the construction, as an indigenous company this demonstrates our commitment and support to the Nigeria Local Content Act.

"It will as well establish our confidence in local capacity to deliver international acceptable standards.

"Haven taken delivery of our first LPG carrier vessel which is currently chartered to Nigeria LNG Limited for domestic LPG supply, we look forward to taking delivery of this new carrier in July 2023 to make an addition to the global gas supply industry.”

“Working with HMD again makes us feel in very safe hands as we are confident that this eco-design / cleaner fuel vessel shall be constructed in line with International best practices.

"It will comply and industrial regulations thereby creating a space for the vessel in the international gas supply value chain.” Temile stated.

Ex-Militants commend Buhari for sustaining Amnesty Programme's funding

Ex-agitators from Akwa Ibom State have lauded President Muhammadu Buhari for sustaining the funding of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP).

They observed that the President's  funding of the programme despite the current economic challenges, had largely contributed to the sustained peace in the region. 

The ex-agitators, however, appealed to the President to confirm Col. Milland Dixon Dikio (rtd), as the substantive head of the PAP.

They said since his appointment, Dikio had displayed commitment and the highest level of capacity to their admiration and that of all stakeholders. 

The former warlords in a statement on Thursday signed by the State Chairman, Ex- Agitators Forum in Akwa Ibom, Amb. Alban Paulinus after a stakeholders and leadership strategic meeting and circulated in Port Harcourt, Rivers state, described Dikio as a round peg in a round hole. 

The statement said: “The entire ex-agitators in Akwa-Ibom will agree and acknowledge the fact that from the inception of the programme, this is the first time the ex-agitators in the state have been given full attention. We have never had it this good with PAP.

“Dikio, in his quest to redirect and reposition the region through PAP has engaged the ex-agitators in an effective and strategic communication model in order to bridge the gap between the real owners of the programme and the office.

"He has enhanced the Presidential Amnesty Liaison Offices in various parts of the region, like Bayelsa, Rivers and Delta states to be more effective. 

“Furthermore, non-payment and delay of the ex-agitators’ monthly stipends are now a thing of the past, due to the new improved payment structure. 

“In the light of the above, we the ex-agitators of the Presidential Amnesty Programme in Akwa Ibom State join other stakeholders in the region to voice out that, what is good is good and to whom little is entrusted with, more can be entrusted". 

The ex-agitators said a more sustainable  method had been initiated by the administration of Dikio to curb social vices that had contributed to the under-development of the Niger Delta region. 

They said: "We applaud his approach to transform and transmit a more youth and women inclusive programme in the Niger Delta under the new Niger Delta Stability Programme. It will form a new phase in achieving the exit plan of the amnesty programme, sustaining the peace and development of the region and bringing in new investors. 

“We call on all stakeholders in the region, governors, House of Representatives, Senators and Mr. President to look in this direction and leave a legacy with their names written in gold.

“We appeal to Mr. President as a father who has shown so much love to Niger Delta people, to please use his good office  to confirm Dikio as substantive head to enable him run the programme more effectively in achieving a sustainable goal". 

Environment Rights Group trains Bayelsa, Delta Oil Community Residents on Environmental Monitoring

Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), an environmental rights focused group has concluded training of some 40 residents of oil bearing communities in Delta and Bayelsa states.

Speaking to the volunteers drawn from Gbarain/Ekpetiama in Bayelsa and  Iwhrekan in Delta, Dr Nnimmo Bassey, Executive Director of HOMEF noted that a safe environment was fundamental to support life and livelihood.

He said that there was a need for people who reside near oil and gas fields to remain vigilant and observant to conserve the environment and ensure that the economic interests of investors do not threaten the environment.

Bassey who holds a National Honour of Member of order of Federal Republic (MFR) for environmental activism noted there was a need to raise volunteers who will defend the ecosystem from degradation and pollution.

He noted that Iwhrekan and Gbarain gas fields constitute the dominant gas flare sites in the Niger Delta and hence residents from the areas require capacity building on environmental management.

He advised them to develop their skills to 'listen to the environment' as it responds and speaks by responding to human activities that distort the ecosystem.

Speaking to participants, Mr Alagoa Morris, an environmentalist said that monitoring the environment demands factual and evidence based data collection, recording and reporting.

"In journalism, the media professionals say that facts are sacred, and that is even much more applicable and I will say that in advocating for environmental justice, facts are more sacred.

"I say so because there is no room for false and misleading information because all facts must be validated at various stages including litigation and aven exergaration is strongly discouraged.

"Environmental monitoring is evidence based and empirical, and it makes the information stand the test of time," Morris said.

Also, Mr Ken Henshaw, a Civil Society Activist who examined the imperatives of the divestment by oil firms from onshore assets and the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) urged communities to brace up for challenges in the new era.

Henshaw noted that the new law which recommends a three per cent operational budget as host community funds left the constitution of the governance structures largely in the hands of oil firms.

He observed that the PIA is silent on existing corporate social obligation operated by oil firms.

Mr Cadmus Alake-Enade, Project Lead, Fossil Politics and Climate Change at HOMEF took the participants through the steps and procedures in environmental monitoring and reporting.

Alake-Enade urged them to be observant about changes in their environment and record same over time to establish a trend.

The interactive segment of the training had the volunteers from the two states share experiences and adverse impacts of oil and gas exploration on their environments.