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Author: Nathan Nwakamma

  • Bayelsa traditional ruler, NGOs partner to address health issues

    Bayelsa traditional ruler, NGOs partner to address health issues

    Subjects

    By Nathan Nwakamma

    Yenagoa, June 30, 2024 (NAN) His Royal Highness Prof. Augustine Ikein, the Paramount Ruler of Igbogene in Bayelsa, on Sunday pledged to collaborate with Non-governmental Organisations (NGOs) to address health and social issues in the Igbogene community.

    Ikein made the commitment during a community engagement and advocacy visit by the NGOs, the Women Organised for Mentorship and Advocacy Network (WOMAN) and the Eunice Nnachi Women Advocacy Foundation (ENWAF), in Yenagoa.

    Mrs Eunice Nnachi, Executive Director of WOMAN, speaking, highlighted the urgent need to tackle the consequences of cholera outbreak, drug abuse, and the neglect of maternal health in the area.

    Nnachi emphasised the importance of improving sanitation and access to clean water to prevent cholera, implementing comprehensive drug abuse prevention and treatment programmes, and increasing investment in maternal healthcare services.

    In his response, the royal father expressed gratitude for WOMAN’s initiative and pledged to collaborate with local authorities, healthcare providers, and community leaders to develop a holistic strategy to address the identified challenges.

    He advocated the need for a multifaceted approach that leveraged the expertise and resources of various stakeholders to improve the overall well-being of the Igbogene community.

    He said that the visit was a crucial step in empowering the community and fostering collaborative efforts to address the pressing health and social issues affecting Igbogene community.

    The traditional ruler emphasised the importance of private initiatives like WOMAN and ENWAF in partnering with traditional rulers, the government, and other stakeholders to promote human welfare and collective well-being.

    He said, “Both advanced and developing countries, encourage your kind of organisation to partner not only with traditional rulers, the government itself, in attempt to promote human welfare that should be about governance.

    “You cannot leave it alone for the government to take all the work. This private initiative is a welcome idea, to add value, promote and create collective welfare.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    NN/AMM

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    Edited by Abiemwense Moru

     

     

  • Man bags 14-year-jail term for raping, impregnating daughter

    Jail

    By Nathan Nwakamma

    Yenagoa, June 29, 2024 (NAN) A Bayelsa State High Court sitting in Yenagoa has sentenced a 41-year-old man, Baridapsi Needam, to 14 years imprisonment for raping and impregnating his daughter.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the victim gave birth to a baby girl in pendency of the trial.

    The Bayelsa Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General, Mr Briyal Dambo, in the suit numbered YHC/14C/2022, charged the accused with the offence of rape contrary to Section 1(1) of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law of Bayelsa State, 2021.

    Pere Amanda Egbuson, Prosecuting Counsel, Bayelsa Ministry of Justice, told the court that investigations revealed that the accused, Needam, started abusing his daughter when she was seven years old.

    Egbuson said Needam defiled the daughter by inserting his fingers into her private part before having carnal knowledge of her in 2020 when she got pregnant.

    The Presiding Judge, Justice D.E. Adokeme, while delivering judgement stated that the prosecution led credible evidence and made reference to the DNA result which revealed 99.99 per cent positive report that the convict is the father of the child.

    The court ruled that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt that Needam committed the offence of rape, and subsequently sentenced him to 14 years imprisonment.

    Speaking after the judgement, Egbuson, the lead prosecuting counsel, noted that the judgement would serve as a deterrent to others who engage in such unimaginable acts.

    She thanked the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Biriyai Dambo, for his support in ensuring that the DNA analysis was carried out to aid the prosecution.

    Reacting to the development, a renowned advocate against Violence against women and founder of Do Foundation, Dr Dise Ogbise-Goddy Harry, commended the court for ensuring justice.

    “The State Government through the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Women Affairs, Children Affairs and Social Development and the Bayelsa State Gender Response Initiative Team have done well by keeping the victim and the baby safe.

    “This should sound as a warning to all paedophiles to steer clear of our children,” she said.

    The convicted Needman, was reported to the Police by members of the

    It would be recalled that Bayelsa State Gender Advocacy group, Gender Response Initiative Team (GRIT), handed Needman to the Police, after a concerned neighbour discovered that he was responsible for his daughter’s pregnancy in 2022. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    NN/EMAF

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    Edited by Emmanuel Afonne

  • Shun acts inimical to peace, security in N/Delta – Otuaro urges Ex-agitators

     

    Peace

    By Nathan Nwakamma 

    Yenagoa, June 23, 2024 (NAN) The Administrator, Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dennis Otuaro, has urged ex-agitators enrolled in the programme to avoid any act that is inimical to peace and security in the Niger Delta.

    Otuaro urged them to promote peace and security in the region, emphasizing the importance of avoiding actions that could undermine the objectives of the PAP.

    The Administrator stated this on Sunday at a stakeholders’ meeting with former agitators in Warri, Delta with the theme: “Fostering, Consolidating and Collaborating for the Peace, Security, Stability, and Development of the Niger Delta.” 

    The Special Assistant on Media, Igoniko Oduma said in a statement on Sunday, that participants at the meeting included leaders from all phases of the Presidential Amnesty Programme.

    Otuaro explained that all stakeholders in the region must work towards this goal and consolidate the success of the Amnesty Programme to prevent the Niger Delta from relapsing into the pre-amnesty years.

    He recalled that the pre-amnesty years of serious conflicts and violence, which negatively impacted the region and the country.

    “Sustaining the peace and security of the Niger Delta is the mandate of the Amnesty Programme, and we must do this for our communities, our children, and their children,” Otuaro said.

    “The Presidential Amnesty Programme was established in 2009 to disarm, demobilise, and reintegrate former Niger Delta agitators. 

    “The first two phases of the programme have been completed, with the Amnesty Office now tasked with the reintegration of former agitators into the society and providing institutional support for impacted communities in the Niger Delta,” the statement read

    Otuaro stated that the PAP was an opportunity for the people of the region which, if well leveraged, could help to resolve some of the challenges of the Niger Delta, especially human capital development.

    He urged the stakeholders not to worry as he had assurances from President Bola Tinubu that the Federal Government would prioritize the development of the Niger Delta.

    “The President is very serious about the peace and security of the Niger Delta region,” he said.

    Otuaro affirmed that despite its lean budget, the PAP had made significant achievements. 

    “Many delegates and beneficiaries from our impacted communities have received quality training and high-level manpower skills in diverse fields of human endeavours.

    “Today, several are gainfully employed as air traffic controllers, flight instructors, aircraft maintenance engineers, pilots, and underwater welders.” Otuaro stated.

    He explained that others had also been trained and empowered through the programme and were doing very well in various trades.

    He listed the areas as fashion design, unisex salon, fish farming, baking and confectionery, rice production, hairdressing, cement, and building materials.

    “In addition, several PAP scholarship students have made First Class and Second Class Upper in different courses of study, including Medical and Clinical Sciences, in universities at home and abroad.

    “My leadership is committed to sustaining this trajectory of academic excellence, which is being applauded by well-meaning individuals and organizations across the region and indeed the country.” he stated.

    Otuaro pledged to enhance the Amnesty Office’s operations to make it more responsive to stakeholders’ needs, promising regular meetings to get valuable feedback from delegates and respond swiftly to complaints. 

    He explained the need to make the Amnesty Programme more effective in achieving its mandate which s prompted him to host the stakeholders’ meeting.

    Many of the delegates at the event commended the Administrator of the Amnesty Programme for the initiative.

    They however, raised concerns about some aspects of the programme around financial difficulties, with most arguing that the N65,000 stipend had become too meagre to meet their basic needs and should be reviewed.

    Gilbert Isobe, an ex-agitator from Bayelsa said: “When we started receiving the N65,000 in 2009, the money was sufficient, but after 15 years, it cannot take care of anything now. 

    “We, therefore, plead with the Federal Government to increase the budget of the Amnesty Programme so that the stipends can be increased to at least N150,000.”

    At the end of the meeting, all the delegates and stakeholders passed a vote of confidence on the Administrator, Otuaro, commending the President for appointing him.

    “He was part of the struggle and one of us. This is the best decision the President has made,” said Prince Emeka Igwe, a delegate from Imo State. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    NN/MNA 

    Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

     

  • Oil exportation resumes in Nembe fields after loading mishap

    Oil exportation resumes in Nembe fields after loading mishap

    Resumption 

    By Nathan Nwakamma  

    Yenagoa, June 22, 2024 (NAN) Aiteo Eastern Exploration and Production Company (AEEPCO), operator of the Nembe Oilfields has resumed the production and export facility off Bayelsa coastline operation, shut due to oil spill from a loading mishap.

    Aiteo announced the resumption in a statement by its Spokesman, Mr Mathew Ndianabasi on Saturday

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the incident discharged large volumes of crude into the Atlantic Ocean on June 17.  

    Nembe fields within Oil Mining Lease (OML) 29 has capacity to produce 180,000 barrels of crude per day at peak levels. 

    NAN learnt that frequent vandalism by oil thieves had significantly hammered peak production from the facility. 

    Ndianabasi noted that following the completion of the joint investigative visit to the spill site by all stakeholders as required by regulations, AEEPCO will reopen its facilities for production while continuing other statutory spill management procedures. 

    He quoted AEEPCO’s Group Managing Director, Victor Okoronkwo, as saying: ” After a comprehensive evaluation of our operations and infrastructure at the Nembe Swamp Field, we are delighted to confirm the resumption of production activities.  

    “Our dedicated team has worked diligently to address the issues caused by the recent incident and implemented enhanced safety protocols to prevent future occurrences.  

    “We have engaged with regulatory bodies, local communities, and stakeholders to ensure transparency and accountability throughout this process.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    NN/OJI/IAA

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    Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/Isaac Aregbesola

  • Baylesa: Oil communities, firms differ on migration to PIA template

    Migration

    By Nathan Nwakamma

    Yenagoa, June 21, 2024 (NAN) Oil communities in Bayelsa have resisted moves by oil firms to suspend social obligations under the old Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU) for the new template in Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), 2021.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the PIA directs the operating firms to set aside three per cent of their operating expenses for the development of their host communities, to be managed by Host Community Development Trusts (HCDT).

    Under the GMoU, oil firms choose projects to execute and determine the budget and unilaterally award the contracts.

    The PIA, on the other hand, empowers the communities to drive their development process.

    The phasing out of the GMoU projects met with resistance as the communities said that the old projects must run side by side with projects to be funded from the three per cent Host Community Development Fund.

    The concern for the continuation of the GMoU projects cut across oil communities in Ogbia, Yenagoa, Brass, Nembe, Ogbia, Southern Ijaw and Ekeremor Local Government Area (LGA) of Bayelsa.

    Reacting to suspected moves to jettison the electricity component of the old GMoU, youths and women from Kolo Creek Cluster communities of Elebele, Imiringi, Otuasega and Oruma shut down the Otuasega manifold and the Kolo Creek Logistics base operated by Shell.

    They also protested the alleged abandonment of electricity supply to the communities by the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC).

    Mr Okala Precious, a representative of the Kolo, Creek Cluster communities, said they were angry over the failure of SPDC to restore electricity supply to the area despite several meetings.

    The protest compelled the oil firm to restore electricity supply as the community occupied and disrupted operations in the facility.

    NAN reports that while SPDC inaugurated eight HCDT in May 2023 and set aside over 50 million dollars to fund the trusts; the composition of the Estuary Area (EA) fields had been ridden with compatibility crisis.

    The EA host communities are kicking against the composition of the EA HCDT which clustered 12 communities as incorporated by SPDC.

    They said that seven of the 12 communities who claimed that foisting 12 communities with cultural differences under one HCDT was a recipe for crisis, was unacceptable to them.

    The EA host communities in Ekeremor LGA, on May 18 took a protest to the EA oilfields, off the Atlantic coastline to press home their demand for a separate trust.

    Mr Timothy Geregere, a representative of the seven host communities, said that the meeting between SPDC officials and the communities to resolve the face-off on May 30 was futile.

    He said that in spite of the provocative stance of the SPDC officials at the meeting, the seven communities have maintained a peaceful occupation of the EA field.

    He said that the host communities would only resort to shutting down the facility as a last resort if ongoing mediation by the Bayelsa government fails.

    Reacting to concerns of discarding the GMoU projects, Mr Michael Adande, Spokesman for SPDC, said that the company would continue with the approved projects under the old GMoU template.

    He said that the HCDTs would inherit the GMoU projects and  funds already accrued to the erstwhile GMoU.

    “Some of the GMoUs still have funds in their accounts which will be inherited by the HCDTs which will continue implementation of approved projects.

    “SPDC will continue to support approved GMoU projects as the HCDTs will drive the development process in our host communities going forward,” Adande said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

     

    NN/CEO/CJ/

     

    Edited by Chidi Opara and Chijioke Okoronkwo

     

     

  • Oil Spill: Aiteo shuts OML 29 field in Bayelsa

    Oil Spill: Aiteo shuts OML 29 field in Bayelsa

    Spill
    By Nathan Nwakamma
    Yenagoa, June 19, 2024 (NAN) Aiteo Eastern Exploration and Production Company (AEEPCO), operator of the Oil Mining Lease (OML) 29 on Wednesday announced that the shutting of its Nembe Oilfields following a leak.

    AEEPCO in a statement by its spokesman, Mr Ndianabasi Mathew, said that the field was shut as a precautionary measure to safeguard the environment from further degradation.

    “AEEPCO, operator of the OML 29, confirms it has detected an oil leak at its Nembe swamp facility in OML 29, Nembe Kingdom, Bayelsa State. The leak was reported on Monday, June 17, 2024, during routine operations.

    “AEEPCO’s Oil Spill and Emergency Response Team were immediately activated and all production from OML 29 shut down. This is a precautionary measure while mobilizing additional resources to contain the spill.

    “The cause of the spill is currently undetermined. However, we are proactively engaging with stakeholders to mitigate the immediate effects,” Mathew said.

    The spokesman quoted AEEPCO’s Group Managing Director, Victor Okoronkwo, as saying: “During our operations on Monday, June 17, 2024, the subject leak was detected. A Joint Investigative Visit (JIV) with stakeholders has been initiated to determine the cause of this incident.

    “While we regret the production losses to the Joint Venture and the nation and the potential environmental impact, our current priority is to expedite an efficient spill management process in line with regulatory standards and collaborate with all stakeholders to restore production and mitigate associated risks.

    “Our joint venture partners and the relevant regulators; The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) have been notified of the incident.”

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) report that NOSDRA has scheduled a Joint Investigative Visit (JIV) to ascertain the cause of the spill, estimated volume of crude spilled and its impact on the environment.

    Mr Solomon Ukponevi, Head of NOSDRA’s field Office in Yenagoa, had told NAN on Wednesday that the agency was investigating the incident.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    NN/IS
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    Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

  • NOSDRA confirms oil spill from Aiteo’s field in Nembe, Bayelsa

    NOSDRA confirms oil spill from Aiteo’s field in Nembe, Bayelsa

     

    Spillage

    By Nathan Nwakamma

    Yenagoa, June 19, 2024 (NAN) The National Oil Spills Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) has confirmed an oil leak from the Nembe Oilfields operated by Aiteo Eastern Exploration and Production Limited at Nembe in Bayelsa.

     

    Mr Solomon Ukponevi, Head of NOSDRA’s field Office in Yenagoa, confirmed the development to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Yenagoa.

     

    He said that the oil firm reported the incident to the agency on Tuesday.

     

    He explained that the Agency had deployed its officials to the spill site to ascertain the cause and volume of crude oil discharged to the environment.

     

    On the extent of the pollution, Ukponevi said that the Joint Investigative Visit (JIV) scheduled for Wednesday would determine the area among other details.

     

    “I will not be able to provide details until staff deployed for the JIV return from the fields, but I can tell you that Aiteo has reported the spill and investigation is underway,” he said.

     

    NAN learnt that the leak occurred on Monday at a section of the 97 kilometer Nembe Creek Trunk line (NCTL) that hitherto fed the Bonny Oil Export Terminal in Rivers.

     

    Following persistent vandalism on the oil export line with capacity to evacuate 180,000 barrels of crude daily, Aiteo resorted to using barges to convey crude from the Nembe fields.

     

    The barges are used to transport crude from onshore oil wells to a Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel from which Aiteo exports the Nembe Crude blend to crude tankers.

     

    The Management of Aiteo is yet to respond to the incident.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    NN/GOM/IS

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    Edited by Gregg Mmaduakolam/Ismail Abdulaziz

     

  • Don emphasises potential of women entrepreneurs in economic devt

    Entrepreneur

     

    By Nathan Nwakamma

     

    Yenagoa, June 13, 2024 (NAN) A Professor of Finance, Mondy Gold, has advised the country to leverage the entrepreneurial potential of women for economic development.

     

    Gold, of the Colorado State University, United States, gave the advice on Thursday while speaking at the Inter-University Summit at the Bayelsa Medical University, Yenagoa.

     

    He spoke on “Gender Dynamics in Financial Access, Investment, and Economic Empowerment: Closing the Gap in Nigeria”.

     

    He said it was essential to recognise the dynamic roles being played by Nigerian women in the entrepreneurial landscape.

     

    “From technology and agriculture to fashion and healthcare, women are establishing businesses across a diverse range of sectors.

     

    “However, despite their significant contributions, Nigerian women face disproportionate barriers that impede their full economic participation.

     

    “For any country to develop, its economy and financial sectors must be championed by visionary, innovative, and goal-oriented individuals,” Gold said.

     

    He says the entrepreneurship potential of women is evident in developed nations such as China, Australia, Germany, the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Japan.

     

    He noted that the listed countries had achieved unprecedented success through the development of entrepreneurship, especially amongst the female gender.

     

    “These countries are reaping the benefits of the creativity and drive of women entrepreneurs.

     

    “In stark contrast, women entrepreneurs in emerging countries like Nigeria have not triumphed due to numerous challenges posed by the environment,” he said.

     

    He listed such obstacles as limited access to capital and financial planning, streamlined information, the need for tailored business skills education and inadequate direct connections to mentors and networks.

     

    He said these issues had been further exacerbated by skill gaps and entrenched social norms that inhibit women’s full participation in economic life.

     

    According to him, research has consistently revealed that boosting women’s economic participation enhances national economies and improves household productivity, living standards, and overall well-being.

     

    “Nigerian women’s businesses are pivotal in driving job creation, promoting innovation, and fostering a more inclusive and equitable economy,” he said.

     

    Gold recommended that to harness the full potential of women’s entrepreneurial endeavours, the country needed to create more viable national organisations to support women.

     

    He recommended the creation of state chambers of commerce, representing the interests of all women entrepreneurs and supporting savvy women with keen eyes for success across all industries. (NAN) (www.nannews,ng)

     

    NN/MAS

     

    Edited by Moses Solanke

  • Democracy Day: LG boss pledges fair, inclusive administration 

    Democracy Day: LG boss pledges fair, inclusive administration

    Democracy

    By Nathan Nwakamma

    Yenagoa, June 12, 2024 (NAN) The Sole Administrator of Ideato North Local Government Area in Imo, Hon Chidubem Ozigbo, has pledged to run a fair and inclusive administration.

    Ozigbo made the pledge on Wednesday, in a goodwill message to commemorate the 2024 Democracy Day.

    He said that his administration would prioritize the principles of democracy, ensuring that every decision and action taken would be in the best interest of the community.

    “Democracy Day is a momentous day in our nation’s history. It serves as a reminder of our collective struggle, resilience, and the enduring spirit of our people to uphold the principles of democracy.

    “It is a day to celebrate the freedom, rights, and responsibilities that democracy bestows upon us.

    “As I step into the role of Sole Administrator, I am deeply humbled and honoured by the trust and confidence placed in me by the Imo State Governor, Distinguished Sen Hope Uzodimma, and love shown to me by people,” Ozigbo stated.

    He pledged to uphold the values of fairness, justice, and inclusiveness in all endeavours, adding that together, he would work towards building a prosperous, peaceful, and united Ideato North.

    He urged the people to remain steadfast in their commitment to the democratic ideals and to actively participate in the governance process.

    “Let us use this Democracy Day as an opportunity to reflect on our achievements and to renew our dedication to the progress and development of Ideato North.

    “By working together, we can overcome any challenges and create a brighter future for our children and generations to come.

    “May this Democracy Day bring us renewed hope and inspire us to strive for excellence in all our undertakings.

    “Happy Democracy Day!!!! Ideato North!,’ Ozigbo said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    NN/IAA

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    Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

  • Address oil pollution in N/Delta, stakeholders tell oil firms

    Pollution

    By Nathan Nwakamma

    Yenagoa, June 10, 2024 (NAN) Stakeholders in host communities have demanded that oil companies be compelled to address adverse health impact of oil exploration in the Niger-Delta.

    The stakeholders made their position known on Monday during a public presentation of the research report on the impact of oil extraction on women’s health in Otuabagi community in Bayelsa.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that Dr Emem Okon, Director, Kebetkache Women Development and Resource Centre, an NGO, championed the event.

    NAN also reports that Otuabagi community within the Oloibiri District in present Ogbia Local Government Area is where crude oil was discovered in commercial quantity in Nigeria in 1956.

    Okon said that the report highlighted the adverse consequences of oil extraction which had profound negative impact on health and livelihood of women in Otuabagi community.

    She said that research revealed that several of the participants had hydrocarbons in their blood sample more than World Health Organisation (WHO) threshold and therefore demanded for compensation from oil companies and government.

    “There is therefore a need to demand for compensation and restoration of polluted sites as well as health actions to keep us alive and to resist death, poverty and injustice,’’ she said.

    She said that the findings and data would serve as a tool for policy makers, community leaders and all those who strove for a more equitable and sustainable future.

    Meanwhile, Dr Bieye Briggs, a public health physician and head of the research team, said from the findings of the report, it was revealed that there was very high and unacceptable level of exposure of the people to hydrocarbons.

    Briggs advocated for the Federal Government to carry out health audit in Otuabagi community and other oil producing areas in the Niger-Delta region.

    He explained that such audit was with a view to instituting intervention program to halt and reverse the impact of oil exploration.

    Similarly, Chief Daniel Amangi, the traditional ruler of Otuabagi community, commended Kebetkache Women Development and Resource Centre for undertaking the project and urged the Federal Government to focus on developing the community.

    Amangi also called for the immediate implementation of the recommendations of the research findings for the overall benefit of the people.

    In the same vein, Alagoa Morris, a stakeholder, lamented that life expectancy was lower in the Niger-Delta region than in other parts of the country due to the hazards caused by oil exploration.

    He called for compensation to be paid to host communities to ameliorate the health impact of oil extraction in the region.

    The ceremony also featured a drama presentation by Otuabagi women and panel discussion on the findings of the report. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

     

    NN/DCO/CJ/

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    Edited by Deborah Coker and Chijioke Okoronkwo