Rep Ereyitomi hails Tantita, wants Tinubu to expand contract over outstanding performance

President Ahmed Tinubu has been told by Member Representing Warri Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Thomas Ereyitomi to expedite action in expanding the pipeline surveillance contract of Tantita Security Services Limited over their outstanding performance in the battle against illegal crude oil theft in the Nider Delta.

The Federal Lawmaker made the appeal today Thursday, February 8 in an open letter to the President, a copy of which was sighted by Vanguard.

The letter read in part, “Your Excellency, this open letter is a follow up to the one I sent to you on the 30th August, 2023. It is on the same subject matter of pipelines surveillance contracts in the Niger Delta.

“In the first letter, I reviewed the sterling performance of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), one of the private security companies hired by the Federal Government for surveillance of oil pipelines.l

“I made it known to Mr. President that Tantita holds the revered position of primus inter pares amongst security firms engaged by the federal authorities to provide surveillance for pipelines in the Niger Delta, and that the company’s contract should be renewed to encourage its management for better future performance.

“Since my letter was published, which I believe was brought to your attention, the NNPCL has procrastinated for 6 (six) months over the Tantita contract renewal. This is unfair. What is to be done, should be done well and quickly too. The delay of action is not good.

“As you are aware, Mr. President, crude oil daily production has kept improving. It shows some people work day and night to ensure a turnaround, and those responsible for the feat, the government must encourage.

“Recent events and development made me want to contact you again on the same matter.You may wonder why I keep drumming up support for Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited? Wondering whether I am their special purpose advertising vehicle or the company’s megaphone.

“Well, I am none of that. I do what am doing to intimate Mr. President and the relevant authorities of the firm’s commitment to duty and how it has restored oil production in areas were none has been produced for years.

“The Presidency under Muhammadu Buhari had a touch of genius to have recognized the potentials of Tomoplo & his Tantita outfit. The company has done well in the protection of pipelines and other federal government oil assets in the Niger Delta.

“Crude production has risen steadily over time, oscillating between 1.4 – 1.6 million barrels per day, from a pittance 650 thousand barrels, before the intervention by Tantita.

“Operatives of Tantita Security working in a collaborative synergy with a detachment of government special task force, set up by the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, recently launched an unending, ruthless and relentless, well synchronized siege on unrepentant criminals and oil thieves in the Niger Delta. So far, the results have been very encouraging.

“In the last three weeks, two heavy duty oil bunkering vessels – MT Kali & MT Harbour Spirit, both with capacity to lift hundreds of thousands tonnes of crude oil, were intercepted and apprehended during the joint operations of Tantita and the Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla special forces. The two arrests signal a new threshold for potential gains in a marriage of the Nigerian Navy and Tantita.

“This is a major win in the battle to rid the nation’s waterways of oil thieves and economic saboteurs. When a child says his mother won’t sleep, that child won’t sleep either.

“These efforts of Tantita are commendable. The company remains resolute under many odds. It is still delivering, raising the hope that there is a silver lining in the sky for the nation’s economy.

“Tantita is dug in the trench in readiness for battle against the criminals. It has secured Delta State. It is currently working round the clock to sanitize the Bayelsa terrains. Hence, I once again approach Mr. President to ask that Tantita’s contract be renewed to prop up the morale of its operators.

“Most importantly, I ask that the scope of Tantita’s contract be expanded to areas considered problematic and requires special attention and sanitization. Our people say, when it is good for the soil, it will also be good for the yam.

“Your Excellency, I seize this medium to advocate that Tantita’s scope of job be expanded and extended into the deep sea and blue water, where the notorious oil buccaneers, mostly perfected their illicit trade and operated unhindered to ruin the nation’s economy. The present arrangement in which the private security operatives are restricted to the creeks and shallow waters, do not sufficiently address concerted efforts to put the criminals under check. Private security outfits, especially Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited be allowed to function along with the Nigerian Navy in the deep sea and blue waters. Such synergy would go a long way to make it uncomfortable, if not impossible, for the oil thieves to operate.

“Sir, the rate of economic sabotage in the creeks and shallow water is child’s play compared to the economic evils being unleashed on the nation by these unrepentant criminals in the deep sea and blue water.

“It’s obvious that Nigerian Navy alone cannot deliver. This letter should be treated with utmost sense of urgency.

“The collapse in oil production because of criminal incursion brought a halt to many small businesses. The government must encourage Tantita to keep bringing order to the creeks, if the nation’s economy must come out of the brink.

“So are small entrepreneurs that provide services to oil majors. It is a win win situation for everyone including the Federal Government.

“The illegal crude bunkering brought ruination to the ecosystem of the Niger Delta. The vegetation, waterways and marine life were completely decimated by the illicit trade, which also goes hand in gloves with pipelines vandalization.

“The gradual pushback of the criminals and the closure of many local oil refining camps in 3 years has gradually restored the ecosystem. This has boosted a healthy living among the people.

“Many have returned to their age long occupations of fishing and subsistence farming. Not only that, the black smug polluted environment, known for causing cancer in the region is now clear. The demolition of illicit local refineries that dotted the region was invariably responsible. Tantita demolished every one of them, in Bayelsa and Delta States.

“No one lights a lamp in the day to see the way. Tantita’s performance is very glaring. Even Mr. President recently gave the security company a pat on the back for doing a good job. So, it isn’t a favour, if its contract is expanded and renewed.

“In countries where merit comes before any consideration, Tantita won’t need anyone to put in a word for its contract renewal. It would be done because the firm does its job very well.

“As a Representative of the Warri Federal Constituency in the Green Chambers, the interest of the people is paramount to me. I know the level of work Tantita did to clear the area of economic saboteurs.

“I have no personal benefits to get, my desire is the rejigging of the economy of Warri and its environ. The people depend so much on the activities of oil major to take care of themselves.

“I once again ask Mr. President to impress it on the management of the NNPCL to quickly accent to the renewal of Tantita’s expanded contract.”

Ahead Of AFCON Semi Finals:Sports Minister Secures 200 Million Naira Support From Progressive Governors’ Forum For Super Eagles

The Honorable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh has secured the sum of Two Hundred Million Naira for the Super Eagles of Nigeria playing at the Africa Cup of Nations 2023.

Senator John Enoh commended the enthusiasm of Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State , Chairman of the Progressive Govenors’ Forum and all members of the Forum for the swift action taken immediately he spoke with the Forum Chairman on the need for the Progressive Governors to motivate the team ahead of the semi finals match against the South Africans.

The Minister of Sports Development has further confirmed that the complete sum of Two hundred million Naira [#200,000,000] has already been redeemed to the players by the Progressive Governors’ Forum .

Senator Enoh said:
“I want to thank the Progressive Governors’ Forum under the leadership of Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo state for galvanizing and redeeming the sum of two hundred million Naira only to the Super Eagles of Nigeria who are currently in Cote D’Ivoire for AFCON 2023.”.

“The Super eagles have shown immense commitment and tenacity through every match ,this shows that they are on the path to conquer the continent again and bring home the coveted Cup of Nations.
Therefore,we must rally support for them because upon their shoulders lie the enormous responsibility to make Nigeria our great Nation proud “.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria is expected to take on Bafana Bafana of South Africa in the Semi Finals of AFCON ,Cote D’Ivoire 2023, at Stade Bouaké in Bouaké, Ivory Coast , Wednesday the 7th of February 2024.

Oyowoli Vs Delta Governor, 24 others: Court to rule on whether or not to hear preliminary objection for extension of time

Delta State High Court 2, Asaba Presided over by Justice G. Bricccckinns Okolosi, will on Wednesday March 27, 2024, rule on whether it will hear the preliminary objection for extension of time, raised by Counsels to two defendants or hear the substantive suit, in the case instituted by Prince Oyowoli Emiko against Prince Utienyioritsetsola Emiko, Delta State Governor and 23 others.

Area news Nigeria , understands that this was the crux of the proceedings of the court yesterday, Monday February 5.

Prince Oyowoli Emiko, had dragged Prince Utienyioritsetsola Emiko, Pa. Akoma Dudun (The Olare-Ebi of Ginuwa 1 Ruling House, Warri Kingdom) Chief Ayirimi Emami (the Ologbotsere of Warri Kingdom/member of the Olu Advisory Council) Prince Emmanuel Okotie-Eboh (The Olori-Ebi of Ginuwa 1 Ruling House, Warri Kingdom) The Governor of Delta State, The Attorney General of Delta State and Chief Johnson Atseleghe (the Iyatsere of Warri/member of the Olu Advisory Council) and 18 others to the court in Asaba as defendants, praying the court to declare him as the rightful heir to the throne of Warri Kingdom, following the transition of the then Olu of Warri, Ogiame Ikenwoli.

It was gathered that Counsels to Pa. Akoma Dudun and Chief Ayirimi Emami, Chief Victor Otomiewo and Chief Emmanuel Uti, Esq. respectively as well as Counsel to the Plaintiff, Prince Oyowoli Emiko, allegedly opposed the application, challenging the jurisdiction of court to entertain the matter and seeking for preliminary objection for extension of time.

On the last adjourned date, the court purportedly made an order, setting down the preliminary objection for hearing and subsequently gave defense Counsels seeking the preliminary objection, two weeks to file in the objection.

Chief Emmanuel Uti, Esq, Counsel to Chief Ayirimi Emami, allegedly opposed the application purportedly brought by Barr. Orhiaki and Chief Robinson Ariyo, on the ground that a new law that is called Administration of Civil Justice Law of Delta State 2022, provides that if a preliminary objection is to be filed, it should be done within 30days upon being served with the statement of claim.

Chief Robinson Ariyo Esq, allegedly argued that the court lacks jurisdiction to entertain the matter, which according to him has been discontinued by the claimant.

According to Chief Emmanuel Uti, Esq, since the preliminary objection wasn’t filed, within the aforesaid time, the court can as well hear the matter on merit and decide at the end of the day, that both the preliminary objection and the substantive matter should be heard on merit.

Speaking to newsmen shortly after the court proceedings, Chief Ayirimi Emami likened his role in the case as that of INEC (Independent National Electoral Commission) which according to him, is to supervise the emergence and crowning of king in Warri Kingdom.

When asked about the anti-bullying campaign by some persons who wore branded T-shirts to the court premises yesterday, Chief Emami, explained that their action was occasioned by happenings in Warri kingdom, especially because he (Chief Ayirimi Emami) stands for truth and fairness as it relate to the succession controversy in Warri Kingdom.

Our Correspondent, reports that spokesperson of the Ologbotsere Descendants Worldwide, Mr. Alex Eyengho and other supporters of Chief Emami, were in the court premises to show solidarity to Chief Emami.

Babalola should be charged for betraying nation’s security, sabotage – Group

*Says Operators of Tantita Are People Of Integrity, Impeccable Character, Unblemished By Crime

The Niger Delta Stakeholders Forum (NDSF), has called on the Federal Government to charge former Flag Officer Commanding, Eastern Naval Command of the Nigerian Navy,Admiral Henry Babalola (Rtd), for allegedly “betraying the nation’s security and sabotage of the economy.”

The group in a statement signed by it’s President, Julius Daukoru, and made available to newsmen, added that the former Navy officer should hide his head in shame for making allegations he has no proof nor evidence.

The Niger Delta group was reacting to an Arise TV programme where Admiral Babalola accused operators of Tantita Security Services Limited, as double-faced repented crude oil thieves.

They said that the statement from Admiral Babalola was a reckless one because as the Commanding Officer and FOC then, he would have arrested and paraded them before the authority for protection.

According to the group, Admiral Babalola “On the programme, he pontificated as an uninvolved bystander, while the illegal crude mining thrived, expanded and even grew in leaps and bound in the areas under his command as Commanding Officer of NNS, Delta.

“It is no secret that he provided cover and protection for local and international criminals on the high sea, while they siphoned oil into ocean going vessels.”

“Certainly, the old soldier made the TV appearance at the behest of the criminal cartel of oil robbers and economic saboteurs, who were his collaborators in crude theft while he held sway in the Navy.

“The barons are the same syndicates that Tantita and other security agencies are on their trail.

“Admiral Babalola was on the programme to throw off investigators from the trail of these criminals.

“He did poor a job of it, as he was a sore spot throughout the programme.

“He must have forgotten that while he was the Commanding Officer of NNS Delta, Warri Naval Base, the area he superintendent became the point of convergence for crude oil thieves and beehive for illegal crude bunkering,” the statement reads further.

They also asked Admiral Babalola to explain to Nigerians how he acquired all the choice properties and numerous assets he owns in Abuja, Lagos, his native Ondo Town in Ondo state, adding that “He also bought multi million dollar properties in America, United kingdom and offshore havens”.

“With his rank as A Rear
Admiral, all the earnings from his 35 years of service in the Nigerian Navy can’t buy him an apartment in London or elsewhere.

“Admiral Babalola bought all the properties from proceeds of illegal crude bunkering in connivance with criminals.

“He should be charged for betraying the nation’s security and sabotage of the economy,” the group added.

While telling Admiral Babalola to hide his head in shame for making allegations he has no proof nor evidence of, the group stressed that operators of Tantita Security Services Limited are people of integrity and impeccable character and unblemished by crime.

“Some of them were involved in the Niger Delta uprising of the late 1990s and early 2000s, purely agitating for the development of the region.

“The late President Musa Yar’Adua saw the need for inclusion and gave them amnesty. It is still in place till date.

“Alluding to that as evidence of wrong doing, is an attempt to pull the wool over the eyes of gullible people. It is a figment of the imagination of the Admiral, which should be ignored,” the group stated.

The Full Statement:
For anyone to rise to the rank of Rear Admiral of the Nigerian Navy, he must have shown, dedication, discipline and brilliance.

So, when an officer of that cadre, who is seen as a gentleman in the order of military traditions, speaks only the truth is expected.

That established tradition was thrown to the dust, when Rear Admiral Henry Babalola rtd, former Flag Officer Commanding, Eastern Naval Command of the Nigerian Navy, appeared on the Arise TV Network, on the programme, The Arise Morning Show, of Dr. Reuben Abatti and his formidable team.

Under barrage of questions, the old sailor became incoherent, contradicting himself on several issues.

Informed viewers of the programme came off with the impression that he was economical with the truth as he addressed questions.
Considering the doubts he showed and his many gaffes, to which even Dr. Abatti diplomatically interjected, when he rounded off the programme.

The erudite columnist and TV anchor, Dr. Abatti, opined that Tantita may not agree with Babalola’s narrative on many issues.

That was satisfying enough to hear, and made it needless of us to interrogate the old sailor.

But keeping quiet would mean our people in the Niger Delta appreciated the roles that Tantita plays, acquiescenced to everything he said.

There is an old saying that no sculptor can carve a fine image from a rotten piece of wood. And so it is with salvaging the character and integrity of Admiral Henry Babalola.

Even the most pungent of Arabian perfumes cannot mask the stench of his criminal involvements while in office.

Certainly, the old soldier made the TV appearance at the behest of the criminal cartel of oil robbers and economic saboteurs, who were his collaborators in crude theft while he held sway in the Navy.

The barons are the same syndicates that Tantita and other security agencies are on their trail.

Admiral Babalola was on programme to throw off investigators from the trail of these criminals.

He did poor a job of it, as he was a sore spot throughout the programme.

He must have forgotten that while he was the Commanding Officer of NNS Delta, Warri Naval Base, the area he superintendent became the point of convergence for crude oil thieves and beehive for illegal crude bunkering.

On the programme, he pontificated as an uninvolved bystander, while the illegal crude mining thrived, expanded and even grew in leaps and bound in the areas under his command as Commanding Officer of NNS, Delta.

It is no secret that he provided cover and protection for local and international criminals on the high sea, while they siphoned oil into ocean going vessels.

He was infact, the problem until his retirement.

Admiral Babalola in the same breathe pointed accusing fingers at the operators of Tantita Security Services Limited, as double-faced repented crude oil thieves. It was a reckless comment to make. If he was that sure of his facts, why did he not arrest and parade them before the authority for prosecution when he served as
Commanding Officer and FOC?

He should hide his head in shame for making allegations he has no proof nor evidence.

The operators of Tantita Security Services Limited are people of integrity and impeccable character, unblemished by crime.

Some of them were involved in the Niger Delta uprising of the late 1990s and early 2000s, purely agitating for the development of the region.

The late President Musa Yar’Adua saw the need for inclusion and gave them amnesty. It is still in place till date.

Alluding to that as evidence of wrong doing, is an attempt to pull the wool over the eyes of gullible people. It is a figment of the imagination of the Admiral, which should be ignored.

Considering his rank and the years Admiral Babalola spent attending courses, both home and abroad, he exhibited no intellectual depth. He was shallow and flat, and merely blabbered throughout the programme.

Those who sponsored his TV appearance, his partners in crime and notorious oil barons must be very disappointed in his poor performance.

As stated in a paragraph above, Rear Admiral Babalola blazed the trail in oil bunkering in the Niger Delta, others followed later.

Today, he is filthy rich from the proceeds of oil theft.

He should explain how he acquired all the choice properties and numerous assets he owns in Abuja, Lagos, his native Ondo Town in Ondo state. He also bought multi million dollar properties in America, United kingdom and offshore havens.

With his rank as Rear a
Admiral, all the earnings from his 35 years of service in the Nigerian Navy can’t buy him an apartment in London or elsewhere.

Admiral Babalola bought all the properties from proceeds of illegal crude bunkering in connivance with criminals.

He should be charged for betraying the nation’s security and sabotage of the economy.

Admiral Babalola should quietly go home to enjoy his loot in retirement than make a fool of himself on public television.

He was all platitudes, and couldn’t give good reason to defend his many years of poor leadership and inability to perform while in the Navy.

His complaints of the Navy being under equipped for its role is mere balderdash.

The rightful place for him is a correctional centre and not on TV screen.

Signed:

Julius Daukoru

President.

President of Catholic Bishops prays for Eagles in Côte d’Ivoire, says trophy coming home

Delta remains one united state despite its different ethnic diversity – Oborevwori

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has said that despite the state being populated by different ethnic groups, the state remains one united family.

Speaking at the Ozoro Country home of former Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Leo Ogor, Governor Oborevwori thanked the Isoko nation for their support for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over the years and for his emergence as Governor of the state.

The Governor had earlier led top government functionaries including his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, Member representing Isoko Federal Constituency, Hon. Jonathan Ukodhiko, Majority Leader of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Emeka Nwaobi, members of the House and other top government functionaries to the funeral ceremony of Mrs Catherine Odior, mother of the member representing Isoko North State Constituency, Hon. Bernard Odior.

He reiterated his resolve to be Governor for all Deltans and lauded Hon. Leo Ogor for being an exemplary party man.

Governor Oborevwori said: “Anytime I come here I am always very happy because there is no time I come here that you don’t receive us very well.

“When I was Speaker and I used to come here with our leader the immediate past Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, we are always happy coming here because he is somebody that likes to host his people.

“We are happy to be here in your house even though we came here for a funeral service.

“Our dear leader we thank you for always standing for the party and we pray that God will continue to bless and keep you.

“You are one leader that has been very consistent because I remember when I came here on consultation you assured me and told me to go and sleep.

“You are somebody who believes in this party and I remember when we were looking for a replacement for our late Majority Leader, and the meeting was held here for almost three hours and you eventually agreed with the choice of the system in the interest of the party.

“You are a complete party man and on behalf of the Delta State Government, I thank you for always standing for the party.

“Delta State is one united family and as I have promised, I will be Governor for all Deltans.

“I want to appreciate you and we commiserate with you on the death of the mother of Hon. Bernard Odior and it is our prayer that God will grant her soul eternal rest.”

Earlier in a sermon, at the funeral service at Alaka Grammar School, Ozoro, District Superintendent of the Christ Apostolic Church, CAC, Pastor TBO Erhimu, said the best time to prepare for heaven and hell was while on earth and not in the grave.

He reminded the living of the need to give their lives to Christ to guarantee a place in heaven in death, stressing that there was no repentance in death.

The Cleric described the deceased as a mother that used her life for the service of God and humanity and charged her children to uphold her enviable legacies that endeared her to people while she was alive.

He commiserated with late Odior’s family on the death of their matriarch and urged them to cast their trust on God as the only one that can fill the gap created by her demise.

Niger Tornadoes Still Owe Me 4.3M Naira, Coach Abdullahi Biffo alleges 

Syndicated report 

The American based Nigerian born tactician, Abdullahi Biffo, has disclosed that one of Nigeria Premier Football League campaigners, Niger Tornadoes are still owing him a sum of #4.3 M till date.

This was Sequel to the circumstances surrounding his exit from the club which many people believe was shrouded in secrecy.

According to the former media officet of Shooting Stars Sports Club of Ibadan, Honourable Jubril Arowolo,while throwing the question to the guest on Nigerian leading WhatsApp Sports group, Sports World Platform, Biffo gave more insights into what happened at the time noting that he was first given a letter to step aside with Coach Bala Muhammed taking up the role while he was being owed 4 months salaries.

The tactician was asked about his spell at Niger Tornadoes,as the head coach between 2014 and 2016,during which he qualified the team to the Premier League,also leading the team to Niger State FA Cup victory and becoming the NNL Super 4 champions in 2015.

When speaking on if he was still being owed by the club’s hierarchy,he said;

” I didn’t leave Tornadoes without notification because,the league was on(mid season) and Tornadoes were in 10th position when I got a letter to step aside and hand over the club activities to my immediate assistant then, Coach Bala(Katsina United staff now).They said they would call me to defend myself,which they didn’t.

“They stopped paying my salary,which,even before then I have been owed about four months salary which amounted to more than four million during that time.”

“I sold my house in Minna because I felt betrayed in the place I thought was my home(Minna),I was still treated badly.”

He added;
“Before then I got an offer from Abia Warriors to join the club. I waited at Tornadoes for good three months without getting any response and salary,Since I had an offer from Abia already,I had to tender my resignation letter and ask for my entitlements,there was no official letter of sack given to me”

” I wrote to LMC at that time,headed by Sheu Dikko. I also wrote to NFF,copying the letter given to me as suspension letter,along with my entitlements and to my surprise,nothing was done.

He continued;
“Nobody asked me anything about that,not until I went to explain myself to journalists”.
“I have not forgiven them because it is my hard earned money and I should not be denied.”

“The chairman then called me to a round table meeting with the club’s management and he told me they would pay me because it is my entitlement,but they won’t pay me my bonuses. As I’m speaking now,I have not been paid a dime and I could not go back due to the respect I had and my life is not about money.”

He concluded ” I have not been paid and I will not ask about it because my life is not all about money,it is my sweat either ways,but this has made me stronger. Despite all the sacrifices I made,it is sad I have not been paid and I reported to the NFF and LMC,without a response”

In his final words,he said;
“I just want to thank God because my life did not depend on that,because if it did,I don’t know where I would be right now” the BFUT trainer in Columbia concluded

An Investigative Trip To Ugboba Coal Mining Site

The Truth And The Lies About The Coal Mining Project

By: Patrick Ochei

Few years ago, coal deposits were discovered in four communities in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State, namely Ugboba, Obompka, Ukwu-Nzu and Ugbodu.It was later licensed for mining and MOSRA Energy Limited got the bid, hence, the commencement of mining exploration. Among these communities that the mining was to start from, only Ugboba has been able to galvanise its people together in terms of providing enabling environment in order for the activities to take off. For mining activities to take off a lot has to be put in place. Top on the list are security, peace and accommodating spirit of the communities involved. My investigation revealed that the above mentioned factors are essential, hence it is difficult for mining activities to commence without these essential factors.

I have followed up the activities of the miners even up to the coming of the then Honourable Minister for Mines and Steel Development, Mr. Olamilekan Adegbite during the launch of the official mining project. I had joined some of my colleagues to cover the engagement of the Minister in the State, which also created the platform for interaction with other stakeholders, including the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of MOSRA Energy Limited, Mr. Olukayode Ramos.

Recently when I started seeing some negative publications on social media about the mining activities, I became worried. My worry was not just about the negative effect of the falsehood being churned out for public consumption, but that this could either be a blackmail or the handiwork of fifth columnist desperately in need of something from the mining company. It could also be to tarnish their image unjustly. And as a thoroughbred journalist, specialising in community journalism, I decided to take an investigative trip to the mining site at Ugboba and other communities around just to unveil the story behind the story, to better inform the society of the happenings within and around the mining site.

First, the persons behind the sponsoring of the social media publications had alleged that the mining activities had caused the river water in the area to change colours and of course, causing harmful effect on the health of the people.

The above allegation had informed the decision of the Senator representing Delta North Senatorial District at the National Assembly, Abuja, Senator Prince Ned Nwoko to come up with a press release on the matter, detailing his intention to engage MOSRA Energy Limited on it, as well as other sundry issues relating to the mining activities of the company.

From my perspective as a journalist during investigation, I discovered that MOSRA Energy has no issue whatsoever with Ugboba community or any other community at all. Mining is going on well at the mining site.

On a guided tour of the mining site, I discovered that the coal is not the black coal but a Lignite Coal which is called the surface coal. Meaning that before getting to the coal underground, the top soil is first removed, and then the overburden is removed and dumped on a gully deep around the mining site. One does not need to dig deep before getting the coal, and it is not like the black coal mining in Enugu or other places.

I equally gathered that, this is called “Sustainable Mining”, where the essence of mining is not to destroy the ecosystem of the land, but to regenerate it for future use. The land is regenerated to its original state after mining by covering back the deep with the top soil in order to reproduce vegetation.

I discovered that even though the mining does not have any effect on the skin, the miners have regularly watered the community to eliminate any effect of dust. The mining is done along farm road and people move about their normal businesses without complaints.

In terms of corporate social responsibility, the company has done fantastic which the community has attested to in my opinion sampling. Apart from providing the youths with employment in MOSRA Energy in Ugboba and Kogi State, engaging some of the youths in skills acquisition, providing potable water for the community, supporting the welfare of the people and others, they had also earmarked a location of about three kilometres away from the mining site to set up a power plant. The power plant will be fed with the coal to supply electricity to Ugboba and its neighbouring communities in Aniocha North LGA and indeed our country Nigeria at large.

Another interesting finding is that the MOSRA Energy Facility Site is being built also in Ugboba to facilitate the processing of the coal before being taken to the market. From the mining ground, the coal will be taken to the facility centre for crushing, afterwhich it will be weighed through the weigh bridge to determine actual quantity before being conveyed out.

One striking thing I took note of, is the fact that the rivers – Ojeokpa and Iyi-Odo they claimed to be coloured by the effect of mining, are surface water and not underground. Again, they are kilometres away from the mining site. But there is one river, in fact, a spring water directly opposite the mining site, called “Iyioku” spring water. I decided to take a stroll down the water front where I saw nature at its best. The Iyioku water is so pure, and I learnt it has been like that for centuries, traveling miles away into other surface rivers.

Now, there is no coloration of the water which is directly opposite the mining site, how then can other rivers far away be coloured by the effect of mining?

From Iyioku, I decided to move towards Obomkpa axis where my suspicion was cleared. I knew that at a time, four to five years ago, the World Bank under the NEWMAP carried out an ecological erosion control project at Obomkpa. This project took care of an aspect of Obomkpa Road with drainages which terminated at a point on the road leading to Ukwu-Nzu.

Where the road was terminated, the drainage was channelled from their towards a nearby river which then flows into Ojeokpa river as a discharge point. What I discovered here was a three-way channel: from Obompka, Ugboba and Ukwu-Nzu, the roads have drainage systems where water is channelled into nearby river, presumably in order to contain erosion flood in the area. And because of the volume of water coming from these three communities which carries lots of red sand to discharge at a nearby river point, there is no way that the mixture of the water with the red muddy flood water will not affect the colour of the river water at that point in time.

I noticed that Ukwu-Nzu on the other side is on a hill. The Government of Delta State some years ago, also constructed their main road and terminated the project at a point just before the popular Odiani Secondary School. Because of the volume of muddy flood water coming from Ukwu-Nzu too, it was always impossible accessing the school. Even students and teachers of the Odiani Secondary School or workers and patients at the community health Centre in Ukwu-Nzu can not access these two facilities when it rains.

Now, to solve this erosion challenge and link up the three communities, Ukwu-Nzu, Ugboba and Obompka on the other side, MOSRA Energy Limited has taken up the challenge of fixing the remaining part of the road of about four kilometres as its corporate social responsibility. The company had already completed drainages and now filling up the road ahead of stone base and asphalting.

When I saw what this mining company has done already, I concluded that anybody trying to blackmail them for personal benefits is an enemy of progress in these communities, particularly Ugboba, as succour has come to them, which was hitherto not being there before now. We all know how difficult those terrains had been to access.

Moreover, aside the road infrastructure and other social amenities the communities are now benefitting from MOSRA Energy Limited, the human capital development is massive. I learnt that several youths of Ugboba community are already employed by the company, working both at the Ugboba mining site and Kogi mining site. Some are even learning how to operate some of the mining equipment including their product moving trucks which are even being damaged in the process, yet the company does not mind.

We must think of the effect of the above indicators to the economy of the community. Our teeming youths are being taken off the streets, which is more important. And for other communities with deposits of the mineral resource, they should quickly fasttrack their own Community Development Agreement (CDA) in order to benefit from the massive investment that has come to the area, instead of being jealous of the one that has galvanised itself and met up with all the requirements necessary for mining activities to begin to take place.

In a nutshell, we must not forget that the mining activity is a business owned by somebody, not government. The government at the federal level only issued license to them, because they had met all the mining requirements from local government to state government and to federal government. This means that the company’s capacity had been certified overtime. But we must not forget that the company is in business to survive and also make profit for other ventures. They are doing their best to meet up with the terms of agreement with the community and governments at the three levels. They pay their tax and they also carry out corporate social responsibility to the community of Ugboba in particular, and its environs in order to create a conducive environment for their business to thrive. Otherwise, there seems to be no reason for the road project it has undertaken between Ukwu-Nzu, Ugboba and Obompka

The economic benefit for mining the coal mineral resources in these communities will be of far more beneficial to the communities than anything else. The best advice is not to destroy this opportunity but to make good use of it in the best interest of this generation and generations of the communities yet unborn.