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OPEN LETTER TO THE CHAIRMAN, AGGE FEDERATED COMMUNITY, MR. FUNPUWEI AYERE ON THE NEED TO WORK WITH A BLUEPRINT FOR AGGE DEVELOPMENT
OPEN LETTER TO THE CHAIRMAN, AGGE FEDERATED COMMUNITY, MR. FUNPUWEI AYERE ON THE NEED TO WORK WITH A BLUEPRINT FOR AGGE DEVELOPMENT
Mr Chairman,
May it please you that I want to start this missive with a brief story.
In 2016, I was deployed to Kwara State by the National Youth Service Commission (NYSC) to serve my fatherland, but I declined it, because I wanted to serve in Bayelsa State. In 2017, my desire to serve in Bayelsa State came to pass. But there was a challenge. I was posted to Yenagoa, and Yenagoa was not my choice. I wanted to serve in the land that now host the bones and dust of my mother beneath the solid crust of the earth — AGGE.
I was posted to a Ministry in Yenagoa that was perfect for my academic background, an environment where my professional skills would have been further honed and sharpened. But I ignored that offer and insisted on going to the land of my mother’s birth to serve. I very much wanted to contribute to the progress of the students in the community in my own little way.
I met my uncle, the late Chief Enio Joseph Alla and explained the reasons I wanted to serve in Agge. He endorsed my reasons. Fortunately, the NYSC head office in Yenagoa was behind his own office — a minute or two away from his office. I drafted the letter of redeployment right in his office and went to the NYSC head office. The NYSC Coordinator of Bayelsa State, a woman, welcomed us, and upon my uncle’s explanation of the purpose of the visit, she took the letter, and without even going through the content approved my request and appended her signature.
First, I told that story to point out the fact that we are concerned about the progress and development of Agge. Second, to prove that we have experienced Agge enough, even after the one year national service, to know some of the problems and challenges the community is facing.
So it is in alignment with the spirit of communal patriotism that I am crafting this open letter to you to remind you of things you know far better than myself. I am just a concerned youth expressing his concerns about his motherland, with the hope that things could be better if we all show some practical concern about fixing the problems of our community.
Mr Chairman, to not make the mistake of taking much of your time with “so long a letter”, I want to quickly and humbly suggest that, there is an urgent need for the Community Executive, Chiefs and Stakeholders to organize a communal confab to constructively discuss and chart the way forward for the community. We need unity of vision and purpose for Agge to move forward. We should be concerned that Agge is not where it ought to be. We should not be complacent seeing that Agge is ranking low in many ways.
It is time we come up with a Blueprint for the Development of Agge. And in such a Blueprint, should be stated, among others, these noble aspirations and projects:
1). SANDFILLING AND EMBANKMENT OF AGGE SHORELINES :
This fight should be renewed. We should mount pressure on the government, NDDC and our political representatives to attend to this pressing need. If we do nothing about it now, one day, we will wake up to find our community under the bitter and briny waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
2). LOBBY/AGITATE FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AGGE DEEP SEAPORT:
This is one project that will change the story of Agge community forever. If it comes to pass, Agge is blessed forever.We should not expect others to fight this fight. Agge community should get involved. The traditional leadership should get involved. We should lobby, write letters, address the press and do everything within the ambit of the law and civic responsibility to actualize this seaport.
3). CONSTRUCTION OF PIPE BORNE WATER PLANTS, OR ESTABLISHMENT OF NOTHING LESS THAN THREE BOREHOLES IN EVERY IDUINMU (QUARTERS):
Now, this is what can be done even without the government. What is Agge doing with her monthly income from Sterling Oil and the Ilaje and Ghanaian fisher men and women? What developmental projects is the leadership of the community pursuing and doing with her monthly income? We should be accountable.
4). ESTABLISHMENT OF A GENERAL HOSPITAL OR RENOVATION, EQUIPMENT AND STAFFING OF THE NON-PERFORMING HEALTH CENTER:
We have political office holders representing us at the local and state government levels; we should pay them communal visit and appeal to them to use their offices to influence the establishment of a general hospital or renovate, equip and staff the existing health facility in the community.
5). TRAINING AND EQUIPPING AGGE INDIGENES WITH VARIOUS VOCATIONAL SKILLS BIANNUALLY:
This is one noble project we can negotiate with Sterling Oil to execute. It realization will definitely be of a great help to the many youths who are going about without skill in their hands and without dignified job to their existence.
6). ESTABLISHMENT OF GOOD AND QUALITY NETWORK MAST IN AGGE:
The recent attempt made in this regard is appreciated, but from all indications, it is not functioning well. There are not much difficulties having network mast established in a community. Hence, we should endeavor to work more to realize this important project in our dear community.
7). AGITATION FOR POLITICAL OFFICES TO BE ZONED TO AGGE:
Politics matters. Agge people should get involved in active politics, engage in political negotiation and keep building political bridges across communities, wards and constituencies in order to fly high in the political firmament of Bayelsa State.
8). THE EDUCATION COMMITTEE SHOULD BE UP TO ITS FUNCTIONS:
The Education Committee of Agge should be charged to be up to its purpose and tasks. Agge community needs some kind of strict rules and regulations to protect the Educational Structure of the community otherwise, the schools some communal patriots fought hard to bring to Agge will go into extinction. And let me also add that, in conjunction with Sterling Oil we should establish scholarship for deserving students in the community.
These thoughts or suggestions are not new to you, what might be unfamiliar are the sure channels through which these things can be achieved. And that is part of the reasons why a convention of a communal confab is necessary.
It is said that human progress is not automatic; it comes from the deliberate, consistent and strategic actions and sacrifices of patriotic and dedicated individuals. This Truth must be lived out if Agge must experience transformation.
Upon our individual and collective shoulders rest the task of building the great and developed Agge we are dreaming of.
If not you, who? If not me, who? If not now, then when? Let’s get to work. Let’s champion the cause of our dear community.
May God send help to Agge, and may God grant you the grace to make a difference.
Thanks and God bless.
© Tobouke JEMINE
22/04/2024
By Favour Bibaikefie
At Enekorogha Grammar School in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria-an oil-rich state known for federal wealth-the condition education paints a deeply disturbing picture.
Students at school secondary school were recently captured writing their second-term exams while seated on the bare floor. Some leaned against broken concrete blocks-no desks, no chairs, and no proper classrooms in sight. Teachers also struggle without offices or basic teaching tools, working unde appalling conditions.
Founded in the early 1980s, the school has barely received any attention from the government since it’s establishment. Instead of being maintained or upgraded, most of its current structures were either community-built or donated by concerned individuals. The school lacks perimeter fencing, which leaves students and teachers vulnerable, while reptiles roam freely around the premises.
When journalists sought a reaction from the Delta State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, she refused to comment-even when approached in her office-raising serious concerns about the state government’s accountability.
According to Mr. Peter Ganagana, the Chairman of the Enekorogha Education committee, the Delta State government has never contributed a single building to the school. “The only six-classroom bock was built by a private individual,” he explained. “Other parts were put together by the community with little resources. Yet, over 80% of our students don’t have desks to sit on.”
Despite now having a students population of over 350, the school one has six government appointed teachers and one principal. To make up for the shortfall, local residents pay stipends to volunteer teachers who are helping to keep Education going in the face of government abandonment.
“The students are writing their second-term exams now” Mr. Ganagana noted, “and many are doing so sitting on the floor. The only desks in the school were donated by a kind old student-just 50 in total. That’s all we have.”
Multiple appeals and complaints have been sent to both the Post-primary Education Board and the Ministry of Education, but so far, there has been no meaningful response. Officials have visited for inspection, but their words have led to no real change.
The buildings themselves are in a dangerous state-ceilings are falling in, roofs have been blown off, windows and doors are missing, and some classrooms can no longer be used at all. That such a learning environment exists in a state with massive federal allocations and oil revenue is nothing short of disgraceful.
Attempts to contact the principal were unsuccessful, as his phone remained switched off. Teachers also declined to comment, citing restrictions on speaking to the press.
This situation is a devastating indictment of the Delta State Governor and government’s priorities. In a state blessed with immense natural wealth, children who eager to learn are being denied even the most basic conditions for education. It is not only a betrayal of their rights- it is a failure of leadership.
The silence from the officials, especially from those tasked with overseeing Education, is both telling and unacceptable. The government must act urgently. The lives and future of these students should not continue to be disregarded because of negligence and bureaucratic indifference.
Source: Golden Nation Multimedia
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28,000bpd Ogidigben Oilfield Shutdown by Itsekiri Youth, Under PINL Not Tantita’s Coverage – Tompolo
By Divine Perezide
High Chief (Dr.) Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, has disassociated his company, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, from the recent protest and shutdown of an oil facility in Warri, Delta State.
Speaking through his media aide, Dr. Paul Bebenimibo PhD., Tompolo clarified that the affected oil field, located in Ugborodo, Warri South-West Local Government Area, does not fall within Tantita’s jurisdiction. He stressed that the facility is under the protection of another security firm, Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL), which is owned by the Olu of Warri.
“It is not only Tantita that is doing the security job. The Olu of Itsekiri’s company, Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, is also covering that area,” Bebenimibo explained. He further stated, “The Ogidigben oil field is not under our watch but under Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL), a firm linked to the Olu of Itsekiri.”
The facility, currently operated by Renaissance Africa Energy Holdings following its acquisition from Shell, reportedly produces around 28,000 barrels of oil per day. It was shut down on Wednesday by aggrieved members of the Itsekiri community. The protesters, who carried placards, voiced their dissatisfaction over alleged marginalisation in ward delineation by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In response to the incident, Bebenimibo emphasized that the protest and the shutdown had no connection to Tompolo or Tantita. “Nobody dares Tantita. The issue has nothing to do with Tantita and Tompolo,” he stated firmly.
The protest remained peaceful, but it successfully brought operations at the facility to a standstill, underlining ongoing tensions related to political representation in the region.
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“Peace is the Panacea for Development” Dr. Takeme Said as He Inaugurates Burutu Peace and Advocacy Committee
By Favour Bibaikefie
In a bid to strengthen harmony and peaceful coexistence within Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, Council Chairman Dr. Julius Takeme on Tuesday formally inaugurated a 23-member Peace Building and Advocacy Committee.
The inauguration ceremony, held at the council secretariat in Burutu, marked a significant step toward fulfilling the chairman’s campaign promises, particularly on conflict resolution and community engagement. The committee, chaired by retired Justice J.F. Daubry, comprises individuals described by Dr. Takeme as “men and women of integrity,” selected for their reputation and dedication to peaceful service.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Takeme outlined the committee’s core responsibilities, which include mediating disputes among individuals, groups, and communities to maintain the prevailing peace in the area. “Your responsibility includes the amicable settlement of disputes between individuals, groups and communities. Please, do your very best to meditate diligently,” he said.
Chief Fidelis Tubotu was appointed Secretary of the committee, while members include Apostle Godsflag Agboun, Chief October Kuro-Ogu, Gen. Brodrick Demeyeibo, Chief Elimina Namah Eselemo, Chief James Nicketen, Barr. B.D. Ekpese, Barr. Torugbene Oloye, Chief Patrick Fufeyin, Chief Gabriel Benede, Chief Lucky Yoweibo, and Dr. (Mrs.) Jennet Abdullahi.
Additional members are Chief Dauyeibo Kitua, Chief Apiakise Apiakise Coleman, Barr. Isa Clark, Hon. Gift Gomeromo, Prince Peter Numa, Chief Torololo Love, Chief Clement Kęmetimibibo, Chief (Mrs.) Ter Okpe, Chief Pukon Samson Eles, Chief Douglas T.M.O, and Chief Fidelis Tubotu.
Dr. Takeme reiterated his administration’s intention to mirror Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s “More Agenda” through proactive peace initiatives and conflict resolution efforts. “We promised to replicate Gov. Oborevwori’s More Agenda in Burutu, and one of our targets is to resolve as many lingering inter and intra-communal disputes. We believe in your individual and collective capabilities to help this government deliver on this promise,” he said.
He further noted, “We want to make Burutu a reflection of Oborevwori’s good governance that has rendered even the main opposition parties speechless.”
The council chairman encouraged committee members to remain upright and committed, emphasizing the importance of including the local chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in their peacebuilding activities. According to him, “CAN is pivotal to peace building.”
In his response on behalf of the committee, Justice Daubry expressed gratitude for the trust placed in them and pledged their unwavering commitment. “We will not disappoint the council,” he assured.
The event was attended by council executive members including Vice Chairman Chief (Mrs.) Georgina Evah; Supervisor for Education, Hon. Okpako Doctor; Supervisor for Agriculture, Hon. Immaculate Birialade; Supervisor for Environment, Hon. Godwin Oro; and Supervisor for Works, Hon. Pudigha Biakpara. Traditional rulers from various communities across the local government were also present, further highlighting the importance of the initiative.