A Call to Accountability: Emeka Woke Condemns Fubara’s Unfortunate Remarks against his benefactor and Leadership Missteps

In an alarming display of political naivety, the recent comments made by Governor Sir Siminilayi Fubara at the launch of projects in Ahoada and Etche have ignited outrage among the citizens of Rivers State. Engr. Chukwuemeka Woke, Director General of the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), did not hold back in his rebuke, reminding the governor of the allies who paved his way to power.

 

"To publicly denigrate those who stood by you is not just shortsighted; it's a betrayal," Woke declared. "The Governor's remarks reveal a troubling pattern of vindictiveness disguised as governance."

 

Woke specifically expressed concern over Fubara's cancellation of contracts with those he labels as "enemies," despite their proven competence. "What message does that send?" he asked. "To cancel projects not based on performance, but on petty political squabbles, is a dangerous precedent and egregious executive impunity at its worst."

 

He pointedly criticized the Governor's dismissal of vital infrastructure projects by mocking a road constructed in Omuma Local Government Area, labeling it a “Farm Road that leads to nowhere.” "This kind of rhetoric is unbecoming for a Chief Executive," Woke countered. "How can you belittle essential infrastructure that connects farmers to markets, while simultaneously promising new contracts for road projects to aid transportation? This is hypocrisy draped in ignorance."

 

Moreover, Woke took issue with Fubara's recent jabs at Nigerian youths who leverage social media as a platform for engagement. By referring to a young man as a "Data boy" simply for voicing concerns about poor road quality and project delivery, the Governor has illustrated a profound disconnect from the evolving societal landscape. "Labeling a young citizen attempting to hold you accountable reveals an alarming lack of respect for the voices of the next generation. Rather than dismissing their contributions, our leaders should listen, engage, and learn from them."

 

Continuing his critique, Woke addressed Fubara's lack of respect for his predecessor, Chief Barrister Nyesom Wike. "To ridicule Wike's work, especially when it provides substantial benefits to the community, is not just factually incorrect but disingenuous. If anything, it shows a failure to acknowledge the foundations laid before you. Your promise of new infrastructure rings hollow when you mock the existing projects that enhance the lives of Rivers people."  To even give a thought of not executing any project in Wike's community, if he were a bad person, speaks volumes of the governor's insidious nature that should be worrisome to the public, particularly those who barely know him. We were all deceived by his pretentious disposition while he served as the Account General of the state, having been promoted above his contemporaries by Wike.

 

Offering advice to the Governor, Woke emphasized, “It’s clear that maturity in leadership requires more than a title. Understanding the weight of your decisions is crucial; only through prudent governance can you truly represent the people’s interests.”

 

Woke went on to suggest that, instead of sidelining past allies, Fubara should aspire to unite the state by fostering collaboration and learning from the experiences of those who came before him. “The people are looking to their leaders for integrity and wisdom. A wise leader knows that enduring relationships and mutual respect are vital for effective governance.”

 

In a poignant conclusion, Woke stated, “We sympathize with the Governor for being thrust into leadership under less-than-ideal circumstances. However, he must realize that leadership is not merely about filling shoes but understanding the nuances of governance. A wise adage reminds us: it is only when a child washes his hands well that he is fit to dine with elders. The Governor must take stock of the speed bumps on his journey.

 

Rivers Ports: Eastern Ports Positioned For Increased Investment, as Dantsoho Tours Onne

In continuation of his resolve to galvanize port concessionaires and terminal operators into increasing their In-Country investments in Port infrastructure equipment, the Managing Director Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho on Wednesday 4th and Thursday 5th December, 2024 undertook an operational and investment campaign tour of Onne and Rivers Port Complexes.

This visit which is coming on the heels of his tour of Lagos Ports of Apapa and TinCan earlier on 27th November, 2024 signposts the current administration's readiness to deepen Nigeria's competitiveness in vessel and cargo traffic to match the needs of Nigeria's huge population of over 200 million inhabitants.

The tour covered BRAWAL Oil Services Ltd, Onne Multipurpose Terminal, INTELS, INDORAMA,West African Container Terminal (WACT), NOTORE, and the terminals at Rivers Port Complex Port Harcourt

Speaking in the course of the tour, Dantsoho stressed that "with the quantum of investments, our maritime neighbours especially along the West & Central African Coast are attracting, we can only stay competitive if we redouble our investment drive in order to provide requisite infrastructure and equipment to attract the sizes of vessels that scale up our cargo throughput to adequately serve our huge population".

His words, "as far as this Management is concerned we have the mandate of the Honourable Minister of Marine & Blue Economy Adegboyega Oyetola to create the enablers for increased investment, and we are poised to do just that".

Continuing, he added, "let me seize this moment to reiterate my earlier plea to investors to take maximum advantage of the investor-friendliness of His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR to infuse greater Investment and be assured of guaranteed return on investment".

The NPA helmsman who was recently elected as the first ever Nigerian President of the Port Management Association of West & Central Africa (PMAWCA) concluded the tour by stating that "the reality of Nigerian Ports processing Two Million Containers of cargo to service a population of over Two Hundred Million is an anomaly that has to be urgently addressed through deployment of huge investments."

Earlier, in his welcome address, the Onne Port Complex Manager, Mr Abdulrahmon Hussain said," on

behalf of the Management and staff of Onne Port Complex (family Port), we warmly welcome our indefatigable Managing Director and his Management team to Onne Port Complex."

He emphasized that both the Management and staff of Onne Port Complex were happy to receive and host the MD, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho whom he praised for his due diligence, commitment and hard work, strong passion for efficient service delivery, as well as his desire and determination to actualize the Federal Government Directive, on the Ease of Doing Business, for a more customer friendly business environment in and around the Port even as he added the MD' visit would have a positive impact on Onne Port Management which would lead to improved efficiency and effective service delivery to their customers.

He however, insisted that it is worthy to note that the Management policies are yielding progress in Onne Port Complex, as could be seen in the following areas suh as port infrastructure, Quay Apron, Road, Call up system, internal and external stakeholders engagement, security and corporate social responsibility among others.

The Port Manager also stated that despite, the progress recorded more needed to be done in the area of perimeter fencing of the vast swamps (creeks) and Lands, rehabilitation of Road networks at Onne, purchase of more Tug Boats, more supply of Diesel for bunkering of NPA crafts and Lubricants.

Others include, biffing up of the manpower strength and the construction of state of the art, fire service stations to fight oil fires at FOT and FLT.

He however thanked the Managing Director, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho and his management team for taking their time to visit the ports even as he pledged his unwavering adherence to the policies of the MD and his team to achieve more revenue for the nation.

In the same vein, while speaking at the West African Container Terminal WACT, the General Manager, government and public Relations Mr Innocent Ogbuji, who welcomed the Managing Director, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho on behalf of WACT expressed satisfaction in his visit insisting that the cordial relationship that has existed between his organization and NPA would continue even as he expressed WACT desire for more investments at Onne.

Present, at the event include, top brass, of NPA management team, the Customs Area Controller, Onne customs command Area11, Port Harcourt, Comptroller Mohammed Babandede, the Commissioner of Police Eastern Ports Mr Moshood Jimoh, various trade unions at the ports, maritime stakeholders among others.


Credit: Bon Peters

Ogoni Congress Moves to Resolve Decades of Conflicts over Oil in Ogoni

The Ogoni people have adopted a new orientation geared towards peace and development within the locality, charting a path to a permanent resolution of over three decades of conflicts with the government and Shell over oil production and underdevelopment.

 

This follows resolutions taken at an Ogoni congress held Saturday, November 30, 2024 under the aegis of the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP). From speeches to interactive sessions, attendees resolved to move forward on the path of development and ledged commitment to support the leadership of MOSOP to achieve these goals.

 

Addressing the Congress, President of MOSOP, Fegalo Nsuke said it's time to permanently solve the Ogoni problem. He noted that the Ogoni people must stand up to defeat both internal and external repression. Nuke regretted Ogoni's inability to address its critical challenges of underdevelopment since the struggle was launched 34 years ago.

 

According to him, "We launched the struggle in 1990. We are thirty four years into it and the problem

was that we were protesting underdevelopment. For thirty four years, we have been unable to address this problem."

 

He expressed dismay over the growing number of splinter groups in Ogoni, attributing it to the commercialization of the struggle which he says had been “very costly in lives and assets invested and lost in the process."

 

"The reason you see all these splinter groups is that we have left the primary goal of the struggle and have started chasing money and our pockets" he said.

 

He urged the Ogoni people to be ready and committed to resolve the problem permanently noting that the Tinubu, being a listening president, provides a rare opportunity to permanently resolve the Ogoni problems.

 

"While I am not speaking for the government, I want you to know that the current president is a listening president and offers an opportunity to resolve the problem. Let us take the advantage" He said.

 

Also speaking, former deputy president of the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People, MOSOP, Chief Dr Fortune Okwa Chujor urged the Ogoni people to support the development initiatives of Nsuke describing him as a non-commercial and non-political president of MOSOP.

 

A former president of the National Youth Council of Ogoni People (NYCOP) and an elder of MOSOP, Chief Emmanuel Nkala said he stands with the MOSOP President, Fegalo Nsuke and called on Ogoni youths to do the same. Chief Nkala canvassed for unity amongst Ogonis urging the people to give the MSP development initiative a chance.

 

Ogoni youth president, Theophilus Mbagha Esq, in his contributions urged the Nigeria authorities to dialogue with the Ogoni people to resolve the Ogoni problem. He also backed the Nsuke-led initiative as acceptable to Ogoni youths.

 

Spokesperson for the Federation of Ogoni Women's Association (FOWA) Lady Immaculate Kpopie assured the Congress of the support of the Ogoni women for the development drive led by Nsuke. Congress then resolved and mandated the MOSOP President Fegalo Nsuke to initiate and conclude discussions on the issue and to win a fair share of Ogoni Ogoni resources which will be committed to Ogoni development.

 

At the end of deliberations, Congress resolved as follows:

 

1. Congress passed a vote of confidence on the leadership of MOSOP led by Fegalo Nsuke and declared willingness of the Ogoni people to work with that leadership.

 

2. Congress resolved that the leadership of MOSOP led by Fegalo Nsuke should negotiate 20 percent interest for the Ogoni people in natural resource extraction in Ogoni.

 

3. Congress demanded compensation for livelihood losses due to decades of oil pollution.

 

4. Congress resolved to set up a resolution committee bringing everybody including dissenting voices together.

 

5. Congress resolved that the leadership of MOOP should set up a conflict resolution committee to address inter and intra communal conflicts in Ogoni.

 

Signed:

 

Alex Akori

Secretary-General,

MOSOP

November 30, 2024.

 

Below are images from the Congress held November 30, 2024

Nigeria's greatest stars gather in Lagos as National Unity Festival begins

 

December 13-14, the National Theatre will play host to high ranking personalities. The country's commercial nerve centre is expected to have a rendezvous with history.

 

"The National Theatre of Nigeria Annual Festival of Unity will begin on Friday, December 13, 2024 in Lagos" a statement by the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Mr Yunusa Mohammed said.

 

The statement issued in Lagos on Friday said the National Theatre had proved itself a force for the promotion of unity in diversity.

 

"The National Theatre Annual Festival is to foster better understanding among the people with a view to evolving improved unity in the country"

 

The statement said rebranding boundless opportunities: a new era of unity and inclusivity, which is the theme of the annual event, had "become the dominant reality of our age."

 

Top government functionaries in Nigeria, business moguls and members of the diplomatic community will look forward to the cultural parade representing Nigeria's diverse ethnic groups on Friday, December 13, 2024.

 

Tagged NATFU 2024, this year's festival, according to the Chairman of the Planning Committee, promises to be the most spectacular.

 

"It will feature exciting performances and special appearances by theatre heavyweights. Industry stakeholders from theatre, music, film and art sectors will discuss how cultural rebranding can drive inclusivity, economic growth and innovation"

 

The statement listed short film screening and roundtable aimed at solving pressing societal issues, driving positive change in Nigeria and growing young people.

 

It also listed a live concert featuring an array of emerging and established artists from around the world as a key programme.

 

"All eyes will be in the direction of Nigeria's greatest stars and young performers as they showcase their talents in music, spoken word, dance and theatre."

ANLCA 2024 Election: I Will Restore ANLCA Onne Chapter to Its Past Glory - Chief C C Okafor

 By Bon Peters
 
 

Chief CC Okafor has vowed he will restore ANLCA to its past glory if elected as the chapter Chairman of ANLCA Onne Seaport chapter.
 
 
Making this declaration in Port Harcourt the Rivers state capital Wednesday while addressing some select journalists, during his declaration to contest for the Chairmanship post, Okafor said the time is now to take ANLCA Area11, Onne to its former glory wondering why those  in the executive of ANLCA who are contesting the Chairmanship position  will  be talking of "transformation, transformation".
 
 
He said "you're talking of transformation in the executive you're in, for almost four years, why not transform now. But because you want to contest   you are saying transformation, transformation. Those of you talking about transforming ANLCA, are still the people leading us till today."
 
 
He described himself as the most qualified to steer the ship of ANLCA Onne Seaport chapter having worked with the likes of Chief Ernest Elochukwu, the former National president, as welfare officer, worked with the incumbent  ANLCA,National President Mr Emenike Nwokeoji as Treasurer .
 
 
Continuing, he noted that he was once the Presidential liaison officer Eastern Zone during the time of Prince Olayiwola Shittu.
 
He added, during Mr. Kingsley Offor's tenure, "I was the vice chairman for two terms and also in charge of transportation."
 
 
 "I was equally the Advisory and Reconciliatory Committee Chairman during the same regime in which we recovered some containers to importers.
The records are there to speak for themselves.”
 
 
"And all the assignments given to me by Mr Kingsley Offor were carried to the later. We were transporting our members from Eleme Junction to Onne and we were taking care of our elders " Okafor said.
 
 
Piqued by what he described as rot in ANLCA Onne Seaport chapter at the moment, Okafor said he will  work with Nigeria Customs Service, other government agencies and every stakeholder at the Port to ensure  seamless business operations at Onne.
 
 
His words “I will engage Customs and every other government agency at the Port to ensure you do your business without much problem. A situation whereby once you have Bill of laden, your heart will cut and temperature will rise must stop. But you must do the right thing. You must be compliant and adhere to Customs  import and export procedures"
 
 
"I am coming on a rescue mission, am not desperate to be ANLCA chairman but desperate to see the system work again" Okafor insisted.
 
 
When asked why he stepped down during the last election Chief CC Okafor,  (Anaegbuachalla na Awka), the Managing Director and CEO of Atlantic System Agencies licensed in 1996, said what happened during the last election was a rape of democracy.
 
 
"I didn't step down on my own, I was forced to do that." I was supposed to be the chairman of Onne Chapter of ANLCA but they came with their obnoxious and unconstitutional harmonization and used it to push me out. I didn't renege my aspiration to serve my people but was asked to step down"
 
 
He added, "such will never happen again especially with the incumbent National president, Mr Emenike Nwokeoji who has created an enabling environment for transparent elections in ANLCA."  
 
 
"If you say you're popular, come out and test your popularity, and it is a mark of incivility to keep quiet in the face of bad things happening at ANLCA Onne Seaport chapter, we will confront every challenge through dialogue and negotiation and ANLCA will be put back on a sound footing and the Association will be taken back to what it used to be. We will revive and review our insurance policy and Carter for the welfare of our elders in ANLCA"
 
 
Speaking further, Okafor who described himself as the "Hard Truth" emphasized that members should be wary of some of those aspiring to lead them but have Bonded Terminals.
 
 
"I don't have Bonded Terminal and do not intend to have one in the future, we should vote people who cannot be unduly influenced by the regulatory bodies at the Port because of their business interest but people who will secure your business and our collective interest and aspirations.We must come out indivisibly to fight and protect our profession"
he reiterated.
 
 
Speaking to our correspondent, Chief Ekene Oyeoka, who said he is  the chairman Association of Anambra Freight Forwarders and Managing Director and CEO of Sealand Nig Ltd, described Chief Okafor  as somebody with capacity to lead and accessible. He insisted that his integrity is second to none and also humble.
 
 
He added that his aspiration was in order as according to him, Okafor is a leader per excellence who will take ANLCA to its rightful place.
 
 

 

Hope dims for Delta State Advisory and Peace Building Council Member

 

…..Chief Robert Onome abdicated office; cannot claim benefit of suit he battled against- Okpe Leaders

…..Insist Orerokpe High Court lacks jurisdiction to entertain case

…….Consider legal suit dead on arrival

…….Urge Okpe people not to allow Okpe Union to be captured for selfish, personal or political purposes

……Say Udogun Okpe not a rubber stamp of an Orodje

Leaders of the Okpe Nation on Monday urged Okpe nationals not to be deterred by the recent events in Okpe Kingdom, but to ensure that the Okpe Union autonomy was protected.

“Being the umbrella membership ethnic organisation of the Okpe Nation which has played several historical roles in the making of the modern Okpe Nation (including the restoration of the Okpe monarchy in 1945), Okpe people cannot afford to allow it to be captured for selfish, personal or political purposes.”

They also implored the Udogun Okpe to be alive to its historical and strategic role of stabilising traditional administration of the Okpe Nation.

“The Okpe people continue to recognise the unique status of the Udogun and its capacity to ensure that Okpe Kingdom is administered within the traditional doctrine of consultative, democratic, and limited monarchy as opposed to despotic systems inherited by some other kingdoms in Nigeria and the African continent. Indeed, Udogun Okpe is a chamber of sober reflections and not a rubber stamp of an Orodje as Okpe people expect her to play a pivotal role of checks and balances on the Orodje's policies.”

In a communiqué from an emergency meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC) of the Okpe Union held on 27th October, 2024, on the approach of the High Court, Orerokpe by a member of the Delta State Advisory and Peace Building Council, Okakuro Robert Onome to declare him as President General of the Okpe Union, the leaders urged Okakuro Robert Onome to withdraw his baseless and irrational suit at the Orerokpe High Court.

“The case is res judicata as it has already been decided by a court of competent jurisdiction. A court of coordinate jurisdiction cannot sit on appeal or entertain any facts different from the facts that were laid before the court that had given the judgement. For the sake of emphasis, in paragraph 17&18 of the Affidavit with which the Federal High Court, Lagos gave the Okpe Union Autonomy Judgement on the 19th of January 2023, it was clearly averred that Prof. Igho Natufe was the elected President General whose executive committee instituted the suit. Okakuro Robert Onome is a stranger to that case and can therefore not claim the benefit of a suit that he had battled against, along with the Illegal Interim executive committee. But in any case, the previous tenure which began in November 2016 (with a four-year tenure) was a collective one of the executive committee and not that of one man.”

The leaders described the Orerokpe suit as the height of desperation.
“The Okpe Union National Executive Committee (NEC) is in possession of videos of his accompanying the nullified Illegal Interim executive committee in press conferences and also in possession of the audio recording of the 3rd of October 2020 event in which he abdicated office. For reasons of preserving the integrity of revered institutions, NEC has resolved not to let the latter one out. NEC shall recommend to the next General Assembly of the Okpe Union the expunging of the name of Okakuro Robert Onome from the list of former officials of the Okpe Union where he fails to accede to this advice.”

The communiqué signed by Prof. Igho Natufe, President General, Okpe Union (Worldwide), Barrister Kingsley Ehensiri Akpederin, General Secretary, Okpe Union (Worldwide) and Mrs. Atarhe Abuh, National Publicity Secretary, Okpe Union (Worldwide) said it took over a year for the Palace of the Orodje and a group led by Okakuro Joseph Aboze to whom the Illegal Interim EXCO handed over, to finally accept to comply with the judgement of the Federal High Court.

“To further destabilize the Okpe Union, the same group of persons who orchestrated the previous destabilization of the Okpe Union have put together another plot with an approach to the State High Court, Orerokpe requesting the court to interpret the Federal High Court, Lagos Judgement for the Prof. Igho Natufe Executive Committee of the Okpe Union and declare former President General, Okakuro Robert Onome as President General.”

The notable leaders vowed to work with all to make the Okpe Nation great.

“The current National leadership of the Okpe Union pledges to continue working with all to achieve so much more and make the Okpe Nation great again as it occupies its place of pride in the comity of Ethnic Nationalities in Delta State, Niger Delta and Nigeria.”

In the suit filed by Okakuro Robert Onome, (Suit No. HOR/M/2/2024), the Orerokpe High Court is being asked to interpret the Judgment of the Federal High Court which was delivered on the 19th of January 2023 in the suit filed by the Prof. Igho Natufe led National Executive Council of the Okpe Union in May 2022 (Suit No. FHC/L/CS/603/2022).

The judgement granted all the reliefs sought which include declaration that the purported dissolution of the elected National Executive Council of Okpe Union by HRM Orhue I, Orodje of Okpe was illegal and of no effect whatsoever, nullification of the Illegal Interim Executive Committee headed by Prof. Emrobome Idolor, and an order of perpetual injunction restraining the Imposed Interim, their privies and all those who derived authority from their actions from acting in any capacity in the Okpe Union.

On the 3rd of October, 2020, for reasons best known to HRM Orhue I, Orodje of Okpe, he invited some leaders of the Okpe Union (under the leadership of Okakuro Robert Onome) to the Orodje's palace where he read out a declaration that he was dissolving the Executive Council of the Okpe Union and imposing his own Interim Executive Committee on the union and banning all members of the then executive committee from getting involved in any leadership position of the Okpe Union for two years.

Of the then membership of the National Executive Council of the Okpe Union, only Okakuro Robert Onome accepted the dissolution declaration by picking up the microphone and pledging his support for the Imposed Interim executive committee.

Having abdicated the office of President General, by the operation of the Okpe Union Constitution, the next in hierarchy, Mr. Patrick Akpotor assumed the office of Acting President General and led the EXCO to complete the tenure after the General Assembly (the highest decision making organ of the union, held on the 14th of November, 2020), set up an Electoral Committee that conducted elections which the Prof. Igho Natufe led EXCO became elected as the National Executive Council of the Okpe Union on the 15th of May, 2021.

As the Illegally imposed Interim Executive Committee were still parading themselves as the National leadership of the Okpe Union, in spite of several attempts by eminent Okpe nationals to mediate and recommend to the palace not to interfere with the administration of the Okpe Union, the elected National Executive Council led by Prof. Igho Natufe was left with no other options but to approach the Federal High Court, Lagos (suit No. FHC/L/CS/603/2022), in an attempt to resolve the matter.

Meanwhile, Okakuro Robert Onome and some others teamed up with the Illegal Interim EXCO to approach the Corporate Affairs Commission to appoint a Board of Trustees for the Okpe Union as the previous trustees had all passed on. The legitimate NEC led by Prof. Igho Natufe had already commenced the process of regularising the affairs of the union with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) which included the process of appointing trustees with an application to the Federal High Court, Lagos. The Illegal Interim funded heavily by some Palace chiefs got ahead through the backdoor and surreptitiously procured a new Certificate of Registration with a Board of Trustees that included Okakuro Robert Onome. The elected NEC was however steadfast with the judicial redress believing that the wheel of justice grinds slowly but surely.
After nine months, the Federal High Court, Lagos gave judgment/victory to the elected Prof. Igho Natufe led NEC.

To ensure that the Board of Trustees and Certificate procured through the backdoor was not employed to further destabilize the Okpe Union, the court validated Prof. Igho Natufe Executive Committee had to approach the Federal High Court, Abuja (which was earlier used by the Illegal Interim EXCO to legalise their backdoor Board of Trustees/Certificate) so that the same court would vacate the earlier empowering order and nullify the trustees and certificate.

On the 30th of April 2024, the Federal High Court, Abuja gave its Ruling (Suit No.FHC/ABJ/CS/395) and nullified the Board of Trustees/Certificate and ordered the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) to expunge them (including Okakuro Robert Onome) from the records of the Okpe Union with CAC.

PHOTO NEWS: Engr. Umar Abdullahi Umar - Executive Director, Technical Services, REA - delivering the vote of thanks at the MOU signing ceremony between the REA and Strategic Partners.

 

PHOTO NEWS: Engr. Umar Abdullahi Umar - Executive Director, Technical Services, REA - delivering the vote of thanks at the MOU signing ceremony between the REA and Strategic Partners.

PHOTO NEWS: CEO and Founder of Anfani, Ishaq Bolarinwa, signs an MOU with the MD/CEO of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Abba Abubakar Aliyu

CEO and Founder of Anfani, Ishaq Bolarinwa, signs an MOU with the MD/CEO of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Abba Abubakar Aliyu

Photo News: Comptroller-General Nigeria Immigration Service, Mrs. Kemi Nanna Nandap, and MD/CEO of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Abba Abubakar Aliyu, shake hands while proudly displaying the signed MOU

The top management of Nigeria's flagship rural electrification body, the Rural Electrification Agency ( REA ) led by its Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, Abubakar Abba Aliyu, ably supported by  the three Executive Directors , Engr Umar Abdullahi Umar, Technical Services, Hon  Engr. Doris Uboh, Rural Electrification Funds & Ayoade Abdulrasaq Adegboyega , Corporate Services, recently signed an MOU with four Federal Government agencies , alongside nineteen Renewable Energy Sources Companies..

The agreement is for the provision of clean , reliable and sustainable solutions.

The photographs , show the highlights of the ceremony

PHOTO NEWS: Comptroller-General Nigeria Immigration Service, Mrs. Kemi Nanna Nandap, and MD/CEO of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Abba Abubakar Aliyu, shake hands while proudly displaying the signed MOU

 

 

NAGAFF Partners Customs Area 11 Command Onne on Stress Mgt In Maritime Industry

The National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) says it is partnering the Nigeria Customs Service Area 11 Command Onne to mitigate the impact of stress among freight forwarders at Onne, Rivers state.

Disclosing this last week to select journalists during a sensitization campaign tagged stress management in the maritime industry at Onne, Rivers state, the NAGAFF Chapter Chairman Onne, S
eaport, Forwarder Ike Okechukwu Anselem said the pressure his colleagues are passing through in the course of their business on daily basis motivated him to carry out such awareness campaign on stress management in relation to Maritime industry.

He regretted that the Association lost one of its members a month ago, adding that the said member left after his day's work at onne, only to be reported dead during the night "shouting my heart my heart."

He noted that he felt so bad for the loss and decided that his members should take the issue of their health seriously in order to ascertain their wellness.

He reiterated that as an ardent believer in the saying that "Health is wealth", he would do everything within his power as the Chairman to ensure the health and safety of his members.

On how to sustain the programme, he hinted that "today's programme is a pilot one and we intend to continue it and make it more elaborate by inviting psychologists and other medical practitioners."

Continuing, he praised the Onne Customs Command especially the CAC, Comptroller Mohammed Babandede for providing their medical team for the programme even as he urged his members and other freight forwarders to key into the programme to check their blood pressure, blood sugar level, cholesterol and other inherent ailments that can cause heavy damage to their body system and nip them in the bud before they can escalate.

The NAGAFF boss who said he was motivated by the founder of NAGAFF, Chief Dr. Boniface Okechukwu Aniebonam, NAGAFF National president, High chief Tochukwu Ezisi and his Deputy National President Seaport, Chief Amb Afam Chukwuma insisted that the programme would be widely publicized subsequently to attract the bigwigs in the freight forwarding business.

On her part, the resource person Dr (Mrs.) TR. Omarijvwie, applauded NAGAFF for the Sensitization programme insisting that it was a good idea for the freight forwarders to always go for regular Medical check- up.

Speaking on Stress, she noted that stress has become part of people's daily routine as according to her; even a child has its own stress in form of crowing, standing up, growing among others.

Dr Omarijvwie noted that human beings pass through stress right from birth till they die, saying “The World of Achievement is a world of Stress"

However, she was quick to point out that stress is inevitable but can be managed, adding that stress is a
kind of pressure that comes with life demands, describing it as a state of mental worry or mental pressure which comes in stages.

She said that when stress is not managed, it can affect the vital organs in the body such as kidney, Liver, heart among others even as she advised that people should be content with what they have and not stretch above their limit as such is one of the causes of stress.

She said, stress is caused by daily hassles, trauma, relocation, death of a loved one, financial stress, family matters among others, while she noted some physical indications of stress to include sweating, increased Heart beat, dry mouth, pressure to urinate, anxiety, fear, anger, depression, change in behaviour, such as smoking, excessive drinking or alcoholism and drug abuse.

But, on the strategy to manage stress, Dr Omarijvwie said it has a broad spectrum or technique such as, avoid the stressor, alter the stressor or adapt to it.

She continued by saying that the person can resort to laughter as according to her, laughter is therapeutic and can make the person live longer.

She went further to posit that to manage stress, Maritime industry workers can relax, take deep breath

especially in a clean environment, choose their hobby like playing Lawn tennis, Table Tennis and also decongest their minds and talk to people and be positive.

Other factors according to her to manage stress are, "keep a daily routine, get plenty of sleep while maintaining a good sleeping hygiene, eat healthy, keep healthy relationships, exercise always, limit the time of listening to news and most importantly go for medical check – up."

Hence she said, "Stress management is life management."

Speaking to our correspondent, some of the participants expressed satisfaction with Onne customs Area11, Command and the NAGAFF officials even as they asked that the programme be made a regular one.

High point of the programme was the medical check - up for Sugar level, Blood pressure and cholesterol level for the participants.

 

Written by Bon Peters, Port Harcourt, Rivers State

REA Partners with Government Agencies and RESCOs to Accelerate Nigeria’s Clean Energy Transformation Goal

The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has signed a landmark, multi-stakeholder Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with strategic partners to enhance collaborative efforts aimed at accelerating access to clean, reliable, and sustainable energy for unserved, underserved, and peri-urban communities across Nigeria.

 

The signing ceremony took place in Abuja, and marks a significant step towards driving innovation and expanding renewable energy solutions in key institutions in Nigeria. With an active history on sector coordination and energy access project implementation in Nigeria, the REA continues to facilitate productive partnerships with other government agencies, development finance institutions as well as the private sector geared towards revolutionizing the energy access landscape.

 

The Agency’s new line of partnerships includes four (4) government agencies: Nigeria Immigration Service; Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF); National Training Institute of Nigeria (NAPTIN) and the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF). As part of these new commitments, the REA signed MoU’s with over 20 Renewable Energy Service Companies (RESCOs) who have committed to optimizing their resources to delivering innovative, sustainable, utility-scale renewable energy capacity in line with the objectives of the REA.  

 

The event which brought together key players in the energy sector is targeted at mainstreaming actionable strategies to improve access to finance, private sector investment, innovation and technology optimization as well as strategic partnerships between the public and the private sector.

 

The REA’s approach to renewable energy projects is a data-driven and impact-focused approach

targeted at strengthening the operations of organizations, cutting down on C02 emission, decreasing operational costs, enabling sustainability, while significantly increasing the nation’s clean energy footprint.

 

The Agency’s new growth path as well as its new line-up of futuristic partnerships are in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, as captured in the nation’s current blueprint for the energy sector; the 2023 Electricity Act, with each organization bringing its unique expertise, resources, and technical assistance to ensure the success of the initiative.

 

While harping on the Federal Government’s new approach to addressing the nation’s electricity challenges, in line with the 2023 Electricity Act, the MD/CEO of the REA, Abba Abubakar Aliyu explained “the need for strategic coordination between the multiple players across the electricity value chain and a coordinated approach in the delivery of energy access projects.”

 

He added that “the REA has been tasked with the implementation of the National Electrification Strategy and Implementation Plan (NESIP), which will serve as a pathway for data-driven, sector-specific, integrated electrification plan, hence the need for strategic partnerships with key players across sectors.”

 

Comptroller General of Immigration Service (CGIS), Kemi Nanna Nandap, while speaking on her technology-driven and innovative approach to border safety and security, expressed her delight about the timeliness of the partnership with the REA. She explained that state-of-the-art technologies, including a top-tier data center, being utilized by the NIS under this administration can only be sustainably powered through clean energy. She explained that “it is an honour to activate the partnership with the REA as such a partnership now enables the NIS to scale its interventions on border management, border governance and migration management.”

 

While sharing her thoughts on rural electrification as it aligns with the mandate of the NIS, the CG explained that sustainable energy infrastructure strengthens engagement with border communities situated in rural areas and solar streetlight technologies provides safety across the communities. This, she said, “will be a game-changer for the NIS.”

 

The Executive Secretary, Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF), Mohammed Sheidu, while commending the REA’s delivery of its mandate, emphasized the centrality of energy in technology use. He added that the NPTF’s partnership with the REA “will have a profound effect on the welfare and the operational readiness of the Nigeria Police as the utilization of renewable energy will not only reduce the dependence on traditional energy sources but will also provide sustainable and reliable power to the police personnel and enhance their capacity to serve and protect “. He reassured that the MoU between the REA and NPTF will serve as “a framework for the planning, implementation and monitoring of projects that will electrify key police facilities, as such projects align with the broader goal of promoting sustainability, energy security and enhanced mobility for the police force.”

 

As the Agency counts down to the flag off of the Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up (DARES), a $750m electrification programme under the REA, the Head of the Nigeria Electrification programme (NEP), OlufemiAkinyelure, while speaking on the REA’s central role in the evolution of private sector players in the energy sector from contractors, to developers to Renewable energy Service Companies (RESCOs), explained that “the RESCO is a central pillar of REA’s off-grid electrification efforts, ensuring that unserved, underserved and rural communities benefit from sustainable, affordable, and scalable renewable energy solutions.”

 

Olufemi explained that while the DARES is designed to be an impactful and transformative programme, beyond the grants and budgetary allocations through the REA, “the private sector needs to

be able to catalyze funding, private financing and private investment”. He assured stakeholders of the REA’s readiness to facilitate and implement utility-scale renewable energy infrastructure nationwide.

 

Engr. Doris Udoh, the Executive Director, Rural Electrification Fund (REF) explained that the REA’s scale-up strategy is targeted at alleviating energy poverty both in rural, unserved areas and across key sectors such as education, healthcare, agriculture and security. She emphasized the Agency’s focus on the optimization of renewable energy sources to close the energy gap at a quicker pace. Engr. Udoh added that the REA continues to keep up with technological advancements in the renewable energy sector as the Agency has sustained its strategic approach to sector coordination, investment and project implementation.

 

In line with the REA’s ag-energy strategy, targeted at improving energy access for agricultural productivity, the Executive Secretary, National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), Muhammed Abu explained that the Fund’s partnership with the REA will ensure energy sufficiency to utilize tools such as “solar-powered irrigation systems that allows all-year-round farming, solar-powered planters, threshers and dryers”. He added that “renewable energy has the potential to significantly drive production in terms of quantity and quality of produce as post-harvest losses can be avoided.”

 

As part of the agreement, the partnership will also focus on capacity building, policy support, and creating enabling environments for private sector involvement in energy projects. By expanding access to finance and fostering collaboration between public and private sectors, the Agency aims to attract greater investment in Nigeria’s renewable energy landscape.

 

About The Rural Electrification Agency

 

The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) is the Implementing Agency of the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) under the Federal Ministry of Power tasked with the electrification of unserved and underserved communities to catalyze economic growth and improve quality of life for Nigerians. The Agency was established under part IX, Sections 88- 89 of the Electric Power Sector Reform Act (EPSRA), 2005.

 

The REA is currently implementing the Rural Electrification Fund (REF), Capital Projects, Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP), Solar Power Naija (SPN), Energizing Education Programme (EEP), Energizing Economies Initiative (EEI), Energizing Agriculture Programme (EAP), and Energy for All – Mass Rural Electrification and Research and Innovation Hub. Africa Mini Grids Programme, Derisking Sustainable Off-Grid Lighting Solutions and the Korean Energy Project.

 

The Agency is responsible for creating an enabling environment for private sector-led projects, which includes conducting feasibility assessments, energy audits, enumeration, data analysis, identification of qualified private sector developers and project stakeholder engagement.

 

 Source: Rural Electrification Agency (REA)