April 4, 2024 in a benevolent move to alleviate the challenges faced by constituents, Akin Alabi, the esteemed representative of Egbeda/Ona Ara Federal Constituency, has embarked on a significant humanitarian effort. Amidst the backdrop of power shortages and economic strains, Alabi has spearheaded a distribution campaign aimed at providing essential resources to those in need within his constituency.This initiative, executed with precision and compassion, witnessed the distribution of generators, grinding machines, and essential food items to residents of Egbeda/Ona Ara Federal Constituency.

The generators and grinding machines are poised to empower individuals economically, enabling them to establish sustainable livelihoods despite prevailing challenges.

Acknowledging the importance of reliable power sources and access to tools for income generation, Akin Alabi emphasized the significance of community support and collaboration in overcoming adversity. "It is imperative that we stand together as a community, extending a helping hand to those facing hardship," Alabi remarked during the distribution event.

The gesture has been met with profound gratitude and appreciation from constituents, who view Alabi's actions as a beacon of hope in trying times. Many beneficiaries expressed their heartfelt thanks, citing the impact of these contributions on their lives and livelihoods.

The distribution event not only addressed immediate needs but also underscored Alabi's commitment to uplifting the welfare of his constituents. By fostering economic empowerment and providing essential resources, Akin Alabi continues to exemplify leadership rooted in service and compassion.

As the Egbeda/Ona Ara Federal Constituency navigates through challenges, Akin Alabi's unwavering dedication to the well-being of his constituents serves as a source of inspiration, igniting optimism and resilience within the community.

Hensard University Partners Nollywood legend, Zeb Ejiro, top scientists and others to Foster Creative Arts, Scientific & Climate Research

Commences Centres of Excellence

Hensard University, a newly established private university, Toru-Orua, Bayelsa State has announced its collaborations with distinguished individuals from the Creative Arts, Sciences, and Climate Research. The partnerships are to promote the Film School, Centre for Genomics and Bioscience, and Centre for climate Research, initiatives that Hensard University would use to deepen the Hensard Advantage in those fields.
The Chancellor, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, held separate meetings with Chief Zeb Ejiro, OON, a legend of Nigeria’s film industry, and Chairman, Board of Trustees, Association of Movie Producers of Nigeria, engaged in a productive conversation with the Senator Dickson, regarding the the Film School, and the Department of Film and Multimedia Studies.



Hensard University Chancellor, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, with NASDRA’S Executive Director, Dr Ibrahim Yakubu Tudunwada, right, Prof Dileep Kumar, Vice-Chancellor, Hensard, left, DVC Prof Prekeyi Tawari-Fufeyin, and Prof Shedrack Benson Jatau, Director of Academic Planning at the signing of the agreement.


Chief Ejiro praised the initiative and its capacities to produce future creative entrepreneurs who could bring more freshness to the industry.
Senator Dickson said the Film School equip aspiring artists with knowledge and entrepreneurial skills to fill gaps in the industry. He also announced the expansion of Agriculture scholarship to include, Department of Film and Multimedia Studies, Environmental sciences and ICT through the Henry Seriake Dickson Foundation.


He called for increased support from governments and institutions to nurture talent in Niger Delta communities as a proactive measure to build on an improved future for the region.
In another meeting, Senator Dickson welcomed Dr. Nnaemeka Ndodo, a distinguished Molecular Bioengineer and former Chief Molecular Bioengineer of the National Reference Laboratory of the National Centre for Disease Control, to join Hensard University’s Centre for Genomics and Bioscience.


The Senator expressed his commitment to establishing the university as a premier hub for scientific research, urging parents and students passionate about the Sciences to enrol at Hensard University where solid foundations have been laid to cultivate the next generation of world class scientists and innovators.


Hensard University has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Centre for Atmospheric Research of the National Space Research and Development Agency, NASRDA. The agreement was sealed at Hensard University. It was the second MOU that Hensard University was signing to strengthen Research Centres at its Faculty of Environmental Sciences. On 29th October 2023 Hensard University and Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NiMET, led by its then Director-General, Professor Mansur Bako Matazu signed an MOU that included climate and weather monitoring. Prof. Shadrack Benson Jatau, Hensard’s Director of Academic Planning, and former President, Nigerian Society of Mining Engineers, signed on behalf of the university.


Senator Dickson with Zeb Ejiro, Chairman BOT, Nollywood Movie Producers Asdociation, who inspected the Film School of Hensard University, and Dr. Nnaemeka Ndodo, acclaimed Molecular Bioengineer, who is Director, Hensard School of Genomics and Bioscience


In the NASRDA MOU, both parties agreed on a collaboration on joint research activities, scientific workshops/conferences, staff exchange, capacity building, academic visits, students supervision, and air quality and climate monitoring, as well as sensitisation campaigns in the Niger-Delta region where pollution from oil and gas explorations remains a major concern.
Hensard University will host an Atmospheric Science laboratory with state-of-the-art instruments for researches in air pollutants, meteorological variables and climate observations towards measures to save lives, the environment and ecosystems.
Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Dileep Kumar said the wide scope of the partnership covered key areas of climate change mitigation and adaptation.
The MOU is to:

Establish joint academic and scholarly cooperative linkages on teaching, research and community services on climate change in Nigeria. The overall aim is to improve the country’s response to effects of climate change in form of nationally determined contribution.
Exchange of departmental, technical staff of the two institutions for short, medium or long term, to enhance and guarantee further climate and environmental research a scholarly cooperation in teaching and research.
Organise and execute joint projects and facilitate access to funds from international organisations and foundations such as, United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, World Bank, MNSOFF, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Africa Development Bank.
Provide environmental and climate
monitoring equipment to enhance teaching, research and development especially with the Centre for Environment and Climate Research at Hensard University.
Organise joint conferences, seminars, symposia, special short term academic programmes -vocational, cultural, tourism.
Exchange publications for scientific, scholarly, teaching, information dissemination on the climate to strengthen the relationship between NiMET and Hensard University.
Jointly source and apply for both local and international research and project grants to enhance teaching, research and development between the two parties.
NASDRA’s Executive Director, Dr Ibrahim Yakubu Tudunwada, who signed for the agency, said his organisation looked forward to an engaging relationship that would contribute solutions to the challenges in the sector. Dr Najib Yusuf Galadanci, NASDRA’s Assistant Director, Research and the signing of the MOU.
Hensard University Chancellor Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, at the event, said the university lays emphases on researches that would break frontiers of knowledge and improve the lot of humanity.
At Hensard University, Senator Dickson said, the students are being taught to solve problems in various areas of society’s needs. The agreements on climate change, environment, he said, were among collaborations and linkages that Hensard University is creating to make relevant contributions to society.
Hensard University, a new, innovative, private institution, is dedicated to providing international, ethical education with a focus on entrepreneurship, innovation and practical skills.
Its dual certification programmes, which offer students the opportunity to earn global qualifications, international student exchange programmes foster cultural diversity and provide invaluable experiences, in addition to established strong linkages, collaborations, and affiliations with renowned institutions and cutting-edge research centres worldwide.
These strategic partnerships with NASRDA and NiMET highlight Hensard University’s commitment to academic excellence and its dedication to addressing pressing climate challenges. By leveraging the expertise and resources of these renowned institutions, Hensard University aims to spearhead groundbreaking research, foster knowledge sharing, and contribute to sustainable development in Nigeria.
Prof. Dr. Dileep Kumar, Vice-Chancellor of Hensard University, expressed his enthusiasm for these collaborations, emphasising the significant impact they will have on climate research and education. He stated, “These partnerships represent a major milestone in our journey toward Hensard University becoming a hub for climate research and innovation. By joining forces with NASRDA and NiMET, we are well-positioned to make substantial contributions to climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts, both regionally and nationally.”
Senator Dickson’s unwavering commitment to fostering diverse avenues of growth and development at Hensard University is evident through his efforts to promote both the creative arts and scientific research.
By providing opportunities for young talents to thrive in these critical sectors, Hensard University envisions a future where Nigeria’s creative and scientific industries flourish.

Human Rights Activist and Convener of Concerned Nigerians, Deji Adeyanju has berated the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Mr. Nyesome Wike over rising insecurity, kidnapping, maiming and killings in Abuja.

Adeyanju in a press statement made available to newsmen said, he is deeply alarmed and outraged by the rampant cases of kidnappings and killings that have plagued the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja in recent months.

“The safety and security of citizens should be of utmost priority for any responsible government, yet the FCT Minister, Nyesome Wike, bears a significant responsibility for the escalating insecurity in the capital city.”

“It is disheartening to witness the nonchalant attitude displayed by the FCT Minister towards the security challenges faced by the residents of Abuja. Instead of taking responsibility as the Chief Executive Officer of the FCT, he was busy blaming Council Chairmen for traveling out of their Area Council just yesterday when he spent days partying and politicking in Rivers State himself. He has refused tj actively address the pressing issues facing the FCT. He seems to be more preoccupied with politicking and engaging in power struggles in his home state of Rivers. This neglect of duty has left the people of Abuja vulnerable and exposed to the nefarious activities of criminals.”

Adeyanju further stated that the abrupt displacement of individuals, including scavengers and the destruction of shanties where disadvantaged people earned their livelihoods, has contributed to the current state of insecurity in the FCT.

“Rather than adequately relocating these individuals and providing them with alternative means of sustenance, the Minister has callously sent them to the streets, exacerbating the desperation and criminal activities in the city.”

The activist stressed that, It is a distressing reality that the poor, who have been neglected and marginalized, have resorted to criminal acts such as kidnapping in their pursuit of survival.

“The Minister’s negligence and failure to address their needs and concerns have inadvertently created a vicious cycle of crime and victimization. It is important to note that, when the poor no longer have what to eat, they will eat the rich.”

“I call the President to intervene and hold Minister Nyesome Wike accountable for the security challenges plaguing the FCT. It is imperative that the Minister prioritizes the safety and well-being of the people rather than engaging in personal political battles. The President must address the security situation in Abuja decisively and ensure that necessary measures are taken to safeguard the lives and property of its inhabitants.”

Adeyanju also urged the security agencies to enhance their intelligence-gathering capabilities and redouble their efforts to make the city safe for all residents to live in and pursue their dreams and aspirations. That, the protection of citizens should be their primary objective, and they must spare no effort in combating the criminal elements responsible for the wave of kidnappings and killings.

“If the concerns raised in this statement are not urgently addressed, we, at concerned Nigerians, will not hesitate to take to the streets in peaceful protests to demand justice and security for all. The lives of innocent citizens are at stake, and we will not allow their suffering to go unnoticed or unaddressed.”

It is time for the FCT Minister to fulfill his duty and for the security agencies to demonstrate their commitment to protecting the lives and dignity of the people. The residents of Abuja deserve nothing less than a safe and secure environment in which to live, work, and thrive.

SIGNED:

The bid of the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Comrade Philip Shaibu, suffered a major setback today as the PDP leadership in his own senatorial district – Edo North – came together at the residence of Chief Oghiadomhe to endorse the candidacy of Barr. Asue Ighodalo.

In a grainy video clip, Sen. Yisa Baimoh was seen leading the motion to adopt Barr. Ighodalo. The question, when put to the leaders and party executives from the 6 local government areas by Hon. Johnson Abolagba, was unanimously adopted. Hon. Abolagba then advised Edo Central PDP party members to follow the lead of Edo North and similarly present Barr. Asue Ighodalo as their consensus candidate ahead of the Party primaries on the 3rd of February.

A selection of PDP leaders in attendance at the endorsement were the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku; former Edo State Deputy Governor and Chief of Staff to President Jonathan, Chief Mike Oghiadomhe; Sen. Yisa Braimoh; Sen. Odion Ugbesia and his twin brother Akhere; Mr. Ose Anenih; the Vice Chairman of Esan South East LGA, Mrs. Susan Opekpen; former Esan North East LGA Chairman Ogbejele Idogei; Barr. Anthony Ehilebo; Hon. Honesty Agnibatse; and former Edo State PDP Youth Leader Arc. Targius Irabor;

This endorsement effectively pulls the rug from under the feet of Philip Shaibu, who now finds himself without a political base within the PDP. His angry outburst at the palace of the Otaru of Auchi later that day, suggests he too is very aware of the precarious political position he finds himself in. He accused Obaseki of diminishing the office of the deputy governor; and charged the people he was speaking to, to support him because it was his turn; according to the Deputy Governor, failing to support him would keep Edo North out of power for at least two decades. It is worth noting that while the current Governor of Edo State is from Edo South; his predecessor, Gov. Adams Oshiomole, was from the same local government in Edo North that Comrade Shaibu hails from.

As momentum continues to build behind Barr. Asue Ighodalo ahead of the PDP party primaries in February, questions arise about the role of Chief Dan Orbih, who was noticeably absent from political engagements which took place in his senatorial district today. Seen last night in Port Harcourt, Rivers State in the company of Ogbeide Ihama where he attended a social event organized by Gov. Wike; Chief Orbih’s feud with Gov. Obaseki remains unresolved. Will Chief Orbih align with Barr. Ighodalo and help the PDP retain power? Or will he play a spoiler role that will help the APC secure victory in Edo State; just like Gov. Wike did during the 2023 General Elections?

Meanwhile, Barr Asue Ighodalo is set to officially declare on the 12th of January in Benin.

The Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has given kudos to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for re-appointing Dr Samuel Ogbuku as the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC.

Senator Diri expressed his appreciation when he received the Minister of Niger Delta Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, and his entourage, which included the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, at Government House, Yenagoa.

The Governor, who described Momoh and Ogbuku as illustrious sons of the Niger Delta region, said they “will do justice to the issues and challenges facing the region.” He canvassed for partnership as a strategy to successfully deliver on the East-West Road.

He stated: “I will carry the message of partnership to my brother governors. We all want to see a speedy completion of the East-West Road because the issue has been on for many years. Several other roads like it have long been completed.

“We will cooperate with the Ministry of Niger Delta Development to take the message to wherever necessary to ensure the completion of the road, which is central to all the six states of the South-South region.”

Senator Diri remarked that the Ministry of Niger Delta Development was too far from the people of the Niger Delta region, noting that the people would want to feel some inclusiveness in its activities.

He said: “Niger Deltans want to feel the impact of the Ministry. At the moment, it is too far from the people of the region. Not by its location, but impact. As at now, the people have been alienated.

“For example, we want to see the speedy completion of the East-West Road and other tangible projects in the region so that the goose that lays the golden egg is not allowed to wallow in poverty.

“Last year, Bayelsa State was cut off from civilization during the flood. The East-West Road was totally cut off. We appeal to the President to come to our rescue. Something urgent has to be done to ensure that Bayelsa is not cut off again this year.”

Speaking earlier, Engr. Momoh advised the governors in the South-South region to come together to push for the completion of the East-West Road, stating that President Tinubu had the interest of the region at heart.

He solicited the partnership of the Niger Delta governors to tackle the region’s developmental challenges and advised Governor Diri to seek areas of partnership with the NDDC. He cited the partnership between the NDDC and he Rivers state government in the execution of the Okrika-Borokiri Road project.

The Minister also visited members of the Bayelsa Traditional Rulers Council in their Secretariat in company of NDDC Chief Executive Officer. Addressing the traditional rulers, he enjoined them to lend their voices to the call for urgent measures to be taken on the East-West Road.

Chairman of Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council, King Bubaraye Dakolo Agada IV, decried the dilapidated state of many sections of the East-West Road, worsened by last year’s flood.

According to the Royal father, “after the flood, the road was left unattended to and the flood is returning with no remedy, so far, from the Federal Government.”

He appealed to the Minister to come to the aide of Bayelsa people before the oil-producing state would, again, be completely cut off from Nigeria.