From Mike Tayese, Yenagoa

A coalition of Niger Delta ex-agitators under the umbrella of Aggrieved Freedom Fighters Forum (AFFF) has withdrawn a petition to the federal government seeking the termination of the pipeline security surveillance contract awarded to the Pipeline infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL).

The group, in the petition, had accused the PINL of alleged non-performance, marginalization of host community youths, forceful renaming of Ijaw communities, rampant bunkering activities, sponsoring tribal conflict as well as territorial claims over Ijaw and Urhobo lands in Delta State. The decision to withdraw the petition was contained in a press statement issued last weekend by the leader of the group, General Seiyifa Gbedeke alias Don Cairo, in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital and made available to our Correspondent.Gbedeke said that the AFFF was misled to carry out the action which has clearly embarrassed the company and therefore, extended an apology to the management and staff of the PINL, the federal government, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and Niger Deltans.He admitted that the petition was not only hasty but premature and lacking in facts, adding that the demand for the PINL surveillance contract to be revoked was driven by limited understanding of the operations of the company and success recorded so far.The ex-agitator asserted that the AFFF acted on misinformation but after consulting key stakeholders, including staff, ex-agitators and beneficiaries of numerous PINL scholarship and medical outreach programmes, it reviewed its position and immediately withdrew the petition and tendered an apology.”After due consultation with some stakeholders, we realized we were hasty in our approach to seek redress by petitioning the Federal Government to withdraw the PINL surveillance contract. We are using this medium to apologize for our ignorance as we were misled to embark on that journey” he said.According to the AFFF leader, the group has become more aware of the operations of the PINL and are totally convinced that the surveillance company has been carrying out its operations within the scope of its responsibilities and in accordance with the terms of preference as laid out by the NNPCL and the federal government.He lauded the management of PINL for providing employment for about fifteen thousand Niger Delta youths, as well as for organizing regular medical outreach programmes and offering scholarships to youths among other lofty initiatives aimed at fostering peace and stability in their area of operation.

From Mike Tayese, Yenagoa

In a significant move that would spur excellence in media reportage and ignite interest, the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has made a remarkable increase to the prize money of its three sponsored categories in the Bayelsa Media Awards (BMA).

The agency increased the prize money to N1,000,000 and a new laptop for individual winners of its categories. The Board’s sponsored categories are “NCDMB Prize for Niger Delta Region’s Oil and Gas Print Reporter of the Year; NCDMB Prize for Niger Delta Region’s Oil & Gas Broadcast Reporter of the Year and NCDMB Prize for Niger Delta Region’s Economy Reporter of the Year” The prize for each awards was previously N150,000, One hundred and fifty thousand naira and brand new laptop for each winner. This marked increase was disclosed by the NCDMB’s General Manager Corporate Communications, Dr. Obinna Ezeobi at the Board’s Headquarters in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State on Friday. Stating that the increase was consistent with the Board’s mandate and dedication to building capacity and promoting talents in key sectors connected to the oil and gas industry.He thanked NCDMB’s Executive Secretary, Felix Omatsola Ogbe for approving the increase and his deep appreciation of the critical roles the media and strategic communication play in local content promotion and implementation. He emphasized the need to celebrate and reward excellence in important sectors of our national life, to motivate dedication and inspire the next generation.Dr. Ezeobi noted that the prize increase had made BMA one of the most rewarding awards in the Nigerian media industry, just as NCDMB is the best performing federal agency in the country for three years, as awarded by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC).The GM referenced NCDMB’s multifaceted support to the media industry in the past 15 years of the agency’s existence. These included the annual capacity building of media stakeholders across the country, social responsibility projects and advertising patronage. He further affirmed that NCDMB has been a stalwart supporter of BMA since 2015, describing the partnership as successful and impactful. He expressed hope that the increased prizes would spur journalistic prowess and improve the overall contribution of media to national development.Reacting to the development, the Project Manager Victor Binawari who described the NCDMB as the longest-standing partner appreciated the Board for the astronomical upgrade which will encourage more effort and commitment to excellence in the media space of the region.Binawari said that with over 170 entries received this year alone, it is a clear sign of the acceptability and trust in the brand. He promised to continue to build on the successes of the editions and to sustain the integrity and reputation the BMA has built over the years. The project Manager further stated that the mission of the brand was to promote professionalism and excellence in the media which aligns perfectly with NCDMB’s objectives, making this partnership a win-win for both organizations.He informed the sponsors that the process for voting and adjudication had started from the 1st of this month and would conclude on the 20th of September, and winners would be announced at the ceremony on the 9th of October in Yenagoa.

From Mike Tayese, Yenagoa

Coastal states in Nigeria have called on relevant authorities to expedite the harmonization of all maritime laws, including the Suppression of Privacy and other Maritime Offences (SPOMO) Act to ensure better implementation.Coming under the aegis of the Nigerian International Coastal Border Platform, the states comprising Bayelsa, Delta, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ogun, Ondo and Lagos State also called for the establishment of a workable community surveillance and intelligence sharing framework in all coastal security operations.

Presenting a 10-point communique at the end of its inaugural summit in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Chairman of the Platform and Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, stressed the need for awareness on maritime safety and security.According to the Platform, such awareness will not only foster a culture of compliance with national and international laws but also help the country to optimally harness its potential in the blue economy.A statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Bayelsa Deputy Governor, at the weekend, Doubara Atasi, said the Platform also advocated dedication of a percentage of revenue from maritime taxes and crude oil exports to coastal security funding.The group also called for investments in maritime transport services to stimulate economic activities between coastal communities bordering the Atlantic Ocean and neighbouring countries.Declaring the summit opened, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Umo Eno, commended the deputy governors forming the Platform, noting that there are lots of challenges facing Nigeria’s coastal states, which must be addressed.On his part, the Deputy Governor of Delta State, Monday Onyeme, expressed optimism that the activities of the Platform will not only foster border governance but also proffer solutions to disputes along coastal boundaries.Others who spoke at the summit, including the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Sen. Akon Eyakenyi, Ogun State Deputy Governor, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Director-General of National Boundary Commission, Surv. Adamu Adaji, Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogana, Prof. Enefiok Essien, SAN, among others, listed several benefits of effective management of the coastal border of the country.