Nigeria may lose $27.2bn investment in Escravos Seaport Complex due to FG, Delta Govt final approval-Okoja

**Says investors are ready to commit funds for commencement of project as Imo, Bayelsa, Edo others are beneficiaries

Mercury Maritime Concession Company (MMCC) says Nigeria is on the verge of losing $27.29 billion investment in Escravos Seaport Industrial Complex (ESIC) project in Delta state and seven other states by the end of June.

In a statement on Tuesday June 11, 2024 by Andrew Okoja, whose firm is the concept developer and lead promoter of the ESIC project, said the offer may be lost due to the prolonged delay of final approval for the project’s take-off from the federal government and Delta state.

He said the investors are ready to commit funds for the commencement of the project.

Okoja added that the slow pace in providing the necessary approvals may lead to Nigeria missing out on the desired creation of job opportunities for the citizens.

“EDIB International of Hong Kong had early this year expressed its willingness to invest USD $27.29bn to develop the ESIC project whose deep seaport will be located in Escravos (Gbaramatu Island/Omadino) Warri south-west local government area of Delta state; a development to be effected through joint venture partnership (JVP) with a Nigerian firm Mercury Maritime Concession Company Limited (MMCC),” Okoja said.

“In its first commitment letter dated 19/01/2024 communicated to MMCC through Chief Kwame Springer the Chairman of EDIB International Ltd the financing company and their consultancy Blue Dot Wealth Limited, outlined EDIB International group’s risk assessment and requirements for successful funding to be granted demanded the securing and protection of their investment by a guarantee of the federal government to control the proliferation of free trade zone in the country.

“It will be recalled that the development of Escravos Seaport Industrial Complex (ESIC) project commenced in 2019 and aims to develop 31,000 hectares of Delta state land into a deep seaport, crude oil refinery, gas complex, independent power plant (IPP), airport, nature park, etc.”

Okoja said the project is a development that promises to massively open up the states involved, including Abuja, to international investment in trade, commerce and industry.

“ESIC will transform Delta state economy and those of ESIC beneficiary states from a rural-driven economy with sprinklings of urban development to a metropolis-driven economy of international dimension,” he said.

“ESIC project is a non-solicited public-private partnership (PPP) driven project regulated by Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) laws of the federal government of Nigeria.

“It is modelled after the Lekki Deep Seaport/Free Trade Zone (FTZ) to serve the marine/economic interest of the Niger Delta, eastern and some northern states of the country specifically to solve the perennial port congestion problems in Nigeria.”

ESIC PROJECT PART OF LAGOS-CALABAR ROAD

The promoter said the ESIC project is complementary to the ongoing Lagos – Calabar coastal road, adding that the protection sought is a 50-year renewable concession lease.

Okoja said this concession must be extended to 99 years for all other infrastructure and land to build own operate and transfer (BOOT) of ESIC deep seaport – a free trade zone project which the federal government provisional approval was granted to MMCC in November 2020.

“Secondly, it is also consequent upon the May 2022 Delta state government (DTSG) expression of willingness (provisional approval) to lease 31,000 hectares of land located at Escravos and Omadino to MMCC to host the entire ESIC project,” he said.

“The uniqueness of ESIC/ESIC deep seaport/Free Trade Zone (FTZ) development is that it incorporates the development of road, rail and marine connectivity approach to the hinterland destinations in order to optimize cargo flow through to ESIC/ESIC deep seaport that will see (1). The construction of a road from Warri Sapele Expressway linking at a point near Koko junction – (45 kilometres). ROAD: ESIC seaport – Warri Sapele Expressway to link at a point near Koko junction – (45 kilometres).

“The construction of rail from ESIC seaport to Warri – (45 kilometres) to join the existing Warri – Ajaokuta – Itakpe and the construction of Itakpe – Abuja (New 90 kilometres rail construction) to terminate at a port district which will host the development of Abuja Dry Port.

“Marine Highway: the opening of the marine highway (River Niger Canal) from ESIC seaport to Baro in Niger State (600 kilometres). This will include the construction of (7) seven inland/dry port that will be serviced by rail and located thus: Bayelsa state (Nun River), Imo state (Oguta Lake), Delta State (Okegbele), Ebu – Inyele Edo/Delta state (Idah), Kogi state and dry port (FCT – Abuja).

“These states will have equity ownership in ESIC projects by virtue of this shareholding status.”

Okoja, therefore, urged the federal government and Delta state to take advantage of the three weeks grace period before the expiration of this deadline to act otherwise the funds set aside for ESIC will be diverted to other needy African nations.

WUEDA DG, Ejinyere Commends Ugborikoko Community, Seeks Mutual Cooperation In Executing Govt Projects

The Director General of Warri Uvwie and Environs Special Area Development Agency WUEDA, Hon. Prince Godwin Ejinyere has commended the people of Ugborikoko Community in Uvwie LGA of Delta State for the mature and peaceful manner in which they handled development issues, adding that “if things continue this way, there will be no problems.”

Prince Ejinyere gave the commendation on Tuesday 11th June, 2024, while playing host to a delegation of Ugborikoko Community who paid him a courtesy visit in his office at DDPA Housing Estate.

He told the delegation that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda covered the entire Delta State and was determined to get things right. He said Ugborikoko would soon benefit from the 3rd phase of the State Govt’s flood control projects as from the end of June, 2024.

“After the construction of the drains, we will partner with Uvwie Council Chairman on how to assist your community to meet your power, health and water needs but you should remain peaceful as you had always been,” he said.

The WUEDA DG noted that after the drains had been constructed, road construction and rehabilitation projects would follow. “Please let brotherly love continue. Embrace dialogue and shun violence. Do not disturb contractors executing projects in your community,” he advised.

On the community’s requests for WUEDA’s intervention, Prince Ejinyere said the Agency had told the contractor handling the drainage project to carry the community along but advised them to demonstrate capacity in order to make themselves useful and relevant.

Hon. Prince Ejinyere, former Chairman of Okpe Local Govt, and the Duke of Orerokpe District, stressed the need for the people to give maximum cooperation to the contractor, and make the best use of the opportunity. “You must shun acts of violence because Governor Sheriff Oborevwori forbids and sees violence as an enemy of progress and development,” Ejinyere posited.

The WUEDA DG urged the people to protect all State Government projects in their area, and warned against constructing illegal structures across or on drainage channels. “Let’s join forces to ensure the completion of the flood control project within its 24-month time frame,” he concluded.

Earlier, the Ugborikoko delegation led by the Community President, Mr. Christian Erifevieme, and Chief Goodluck Egubere, representing the Community Chiefs, appealed to WUEDA to help solve the problem of the overloaded transformer in the community; provide drinkable water in the community health centre; and help to rehabilitate bad roads in the locality.

They commended Hon. Prince Godwin Ejinyere for his good leadership qualities, and pledged the community’s readiness to work in synergy with WUEDA. They appealed to the Agency to engage contractors from the community to execute minor jobs towards empowering the local people.

Present during the visit were a WUEDA Board member, Hon. Isaac Itobi; the Director of Admin and Finance, Mr. Simon Esi; the Director of Projects, Engr. Bemigho Ofoeyenor, and other top officials of the Agency.

Insecurity; Benue State now shutdown by 10pm- Says Terrence Kuanum

By: Celestine Ukah 

The Special Adviser to the Secretary of the Federation, SGF, George Akume on Public Affairs, Mr. Terrence Kuanum says Benue State now shutdown by 10 pm daily due to insecurity bedeviling the state.

Mr. Kuanum made this declaration Tuesday June 11 on a live interview program on TVC News “This morning Focus on Benue Politics”. He took a swipe at the State governor, His Excellency Hycent Alia on the current security challenges in the State for blaming some leaders of the party in the state for the insecurity.

Kuanum a Chieftain of the ruling APC party in Benue State urged the governor to stop blaming anyone for the fragile security in the state and face it by deploying other strategies to surmount insecurity in the entire state.

He as well during the live interview program exonerate the SGF for any allegations levelled against him and other leaders of the APC in Benue State by Governor Alia that they want him to bring the state resources for alleged sharing, describing it as most unfortunate of the administration of the state governor.

When asked about the Benue State capital, Mr. Kuanum noted that people can’t walk for within four millimetres in the capital Makurdi without fear of being kidnapped among other associated crimes.

June12: NASS Member, Ereyitomi felicitates Warri Federal Constituents, Nigerians

By: Celestine Ukah 

The National Assembly Member Representing Warri Federal at the House of Representatives, Hon. Chief Dr. Thomas Ereyitomi has congratulated the entire people of Warri Federal Constituency, Deltans and Nigerians as they Mark this year’s democracy day in the country.

Chief Ereyitomi, While congratulating Warri Federal Constituents, Deltans and Nigerians called on Nigerians to foster national unity, stressing that there is hope for the country.

The Warri federal Lawmaker, Dr. Ereyitomi , stated this Wednesday June 12 in his goodwill message to commemorate 2024 Democracy Day, urged Warri Federal Constituents, Deltans and Nigerians not to give up on the country. He said great nations that are celebrated today have had their fair share of national tribulations and challenges in their journey into nationhood.

According to Chief Ereyitomi the democratic journey that started in 1999 is not without hiccups. The challenges notwithstanding, should not be quick to dismiss commemoration of Democracy Day especially the tortuous June 12 struggle as non-event.

He assured of stronger representation and welfare of the esteemed Warri federal constituents going forward

The House of Reps Committee Chairman on Petroleum Resources Funds notes that Nations that are celebrated for their high democratic ethos today have had their own share of tribulations in their journey, saying the United States of America that is reputed as the bastion of the world’s democracy is obviously not without her challenges.

Hon. Chief Ereyitomi with high optimism said “Let’s keep hope alive, Nigeria shall be great again”.

Be Law Abiding, UNIDEL VC, Prof. Chiemeke Charges newly elected SUG officials

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Delta Agbor, Prof Stella Chiemeke, has charged the newly elected Students Union Executive of the institution to shun cultism and other social vices

Prof Chiemeke gave the charge on Monday, 10th June, 2024, during the presentation of certificates of return to the victorious candidates.

She said the students should, at all times,be law abiding and take their studies seriously as that was their primary reason for being on campus.

She noted that the University of Delta, Agbor, ran an open door policy and enjoined them to feel free to share ideas with the management on the welfare of the students.

The Vice Chancellor commended the election committee for conducting a transparent,free, and fair election that was judged as one of the best in Nigeria by election observers.

Earlier, the chairman of the election committee, comrade Azani Nwabukwu, thanked the management for finding them worthy to conduct the first SUE election in the fastest growing university in Africa, UNIDEL.

Comrade Azani also thanked the Vice Chancellor for the management unalloyed support and suggestion for the e- voting, which was highly credible and accepted.

Those elected and presented with certificates of return by the Vice Chancellor were the president comrade Peter Ighodaro, Vice president Williams Christabel, secretary Okolo Wilma, deputy general secretary Onwuka Dumkele, financial secretary ChukwuekwuFortune Eboagwu, treasurer Unabor Paul and auditor, Okolie Kosisochukwu.

For the legislative arm, those who received certificates include lmuetinyan Favor, Etuk ldongesist Bassey, Ugherughe Precious, Blessing Howard Adegor, Acha lkechukwuOgberahwe EguonoEboibi Lynda .

Others were Anwuli Amaliamifeobi, Amaechi Favor, Daigbe Joshua, Koyaya Oghenero, Favor Peter, Otokwu Isaiah, Disi Blessing, Nwabuwe Liberty and Okpamo Favour.

In a vote of thanks, the president- elect comrade Peter lghodaro assured the management of taking actions and decisions that would help consolidate the achievement of the Vice Chancellor and her management team.

Akpoveta pays Health Insurance premiums for 1000 indigent Deltans

*Calls on “collective responsibility” of well-meaning Deltans in supporting the needy.

By: Pat Gbemudu

The Director-General/CEO of Delta State Contributory Health Commission (DSCHC), Olorogun Dr. Isaac Akpoveta, has called on all Deltans of means, nationally and in the diaspora, to imbibe the concept of Collective Responsibility especially by adopting indigent Deltans by purchasing health insurance premiums of the DSCHS for them.

The DG made the call Sunday June 9, 2024 at the flagging-off of the registration of 1,000 Indigent Deltans into the Delta State Contributory Health Scheme by his family at Ofuoma Community in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State..

In his speech titled “ADOPTING AND CARING FOR INDIGENTS: Supporting the Needy – The Beauty of Collective Responsibility”, Dr. Akpoveta, who noted that good health is the very first need of humans, disclosed that he and his immediate family, including those in the diaspora, decided to enrich the lives of some vulnerable and indigent persons in and around his community of Ofuoma and its neighboring communities of Odovie, Emeragha, Ogbowan, Afiesere and Ughelli town as a way of supporting the needy.

According to him “Supporting others and embracing the concept of Collective Responsibility creates a powerful and positive impact on individuals and communities alike. He added that the registration is at a subsidized rate of N7,000 per person for a whole year of affordable and quality health care.

“With the insurance card they will receive quality healthcare services from any Health care facility of their choice for one year. This will surely enrich their lives, as Good Health is WEALTH, as the saying goes.

Highlighting the beauty of Collective Responsibility in his speech, the Director-General of DSCHC opined that ‘Fostering Unity and Cooperation’ was crucial to the rescue of the decline of our communities. He said collective responsibility encourages people to work together towards common goals, cultivating a sense of unity and cooperation. Adding that “this can strengthen community bonds and create a supportive environment where everyone feels valued and included”, with the saying “WHEN YOU VALUE PEOPLE, PEOPLE VALUE YOU”.

The DG also harped on ‘Empowering Individuals’ noting that when people know they have the support of others, they feel more empowered to take risks, pursue their goals, and overcome challenges and such collective backing can boost confidence and resilience.

He pointed out that through collectible responsibilities we can promote social justice “by sharing responsibilities and resources, communities can address inequalities and ensure that everyone has access to opportunities and support. This can lead to more equitable outcomes and a fairer society.”

Dr. Akpoveta noted that, “Trust is a critical component of strong relationships and effective collaboration, making collective efforts more successful. He encouraged people to ‘Build Trust’ that it’s only when individuals consistently support each other, trust within the community grows.

The DG also spoke on empowering altruism in the communities, stating that “supporting others encourages altruistic behavior, which can be deeply fulfilling. Helping others not only benefits the recipients but also brings a sense of purpose and satisfaction to the helpers.”

Dr Akpoveta commended His Excellency Rt Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori for supporting the scheme and paying billions of naira for the vulnerable (maternal and children under 5 years), He said the totality of the concept of Collective Responsibility is what is encapsulated in the M.O.R.E. Agenda of the Governor’s Administration.

He said that “the Delta State Contributory Health Commission which has over 2 million Delta state residents enrolled with over 7 million encounters since inception, was established to run as a Social Health Insurance Scheme with several plans, which are: Equity Plan; Formal Plan; Informal Plan and Private Plan. It also runs Initiatives like the Indigent Enrollee Adoption Initiative: Artisans Enrollee Adoption Initiative; Access to Finance Initiative and the Tertiary Institutions Social Health Insurance Program (TISHIP).

Presenting an award for Health Insurance Ambassador to Dr. Akpoveta and his family, a representative of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. David Kojovo, commended the commission for their initiatives, lauding their commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage, which is one of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Also present at the occasion was a representative of the President General (PG) of Ofuoma Community, Comrade Godfrey Etabuko, Delta State Chairman of Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria, ASCSN/TUC, Comrade Bolum Martin Nwachukwu.