

Business & Economy
2025 : NIWA targets 200% increase on remittance to CFR …proposes N34,389billion as total revenue
The National Inland Waterways Authority ( NIWA), has proposed N9.054billion as revenue to be remitted into the Consolidated Revenue Fund ( CFR) from the total targeted revenue of N34.389billion in the 2025 fiscal year .
The N9.05billion targeted as revenue to be remitted into CFR in 2025 by NIWA , according to its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer , Bola Oyebamiji , is about 200% increase on N2.625billion remitted into CFR in 2024 .
Oyebamiji stated these in Abuja on Wednesday during his presentation to the National Assembly joint Committee on Marine Transport .
He said the N9.054billion projected to be remitted into CFR in 2025 comprise of 50% IGR remittance which is N2.756billion , 40% of Port Development Levy ( PDL) remittance which is N5.775billion from the projected N28.875bikkion .
Others according to him , are proceeds from lease of properties which is estimated at N496.894million and Tender Documentation estimated to be N25.629million , all totalling N9054billion .
” The projected astronomical increase on revenue to be remitted by NIWA into the Consolidated Revenue Fund in 2025 , largely arose from the estimated N28.875billion Port Development Levy in the fiscal year as against N13.219billion realised in 2024 “, he said .
Apparently satisfied with his presentation the Joint Committee Chaired by Senator Wasiu Eshilokun ( APC Lagos Central ) , urged the Managing Director of NIWA , to move from 91% budget performance it recorded in 2024 to 100% in 2025 .
” Your projected IGR and remittance into the Consolidated Revenue Fund when compared to those of 2024 , are encouraging but this committee believes that NIWA can even surpass its projections in the fiscal year .
” That is what we want to hear at the end of the year because the country needs more revenues and remittances to fund its yearly budget “, he said .
Business & Economy
Pastor Reuben Initiative extols founder’s philanthropic gesture

By Idibhar Agadaga, Baylesa
The Director General Pastor Reuben Initiative for Good Leadership and Accountability (PRIFGLA), Eseimokumo Frank Soko has commended Pastor Reuben Wilson’s selfless contributions to the development of Bayelsa State and the Niger Delta region.
Speaking on an enlighment program on Royal FM, 95.5, Eseimokumo Frank Soko, highlighted Wilson’s commitment to education, noting that he has sponsored over 200 students across various universities in the region.
According to Soko, Wilson’s philanthropic efforts extend beyond education, as he has also provided monthly stipends to members of the Initiative ànd numerous individuals in need.
He particularly extolled Wilson’s selfless and sacrificial lifestyle which have positively impacted the lives of many Bayelsans.
He emphasized that Wilson’s charitable works is not limited to any particular political party or affiliation as beneficiaries come from diverse backgrounds including PDP, APC and Labour Party members.
On his part, PRIFGLA’s National Secretary and Special Adviser on Student Matters and Scholarships, Ogbomo Erepamowei, shared Wilson’s inspiring personal story, which has driven his passion for helping others.
Ogbomo noted that despite facing challenges in his own educational journey, Wilson has demonstrated remarkable resilience and generosity, supporting students in various institutions across the Niger Delta.
He added that over 200 students are under scholarship sponsored by Pastor Reuben Wilson in various universities across the Niger Delta region.
In a final statement, Soko expressed gratitude to Wilson, describing him as a “sacrificial leader” who has positively impacted the lives of those working with him.
Business & Economy
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Business & Economy
New Bayelsa Secretariat: Govt Appeals To Host Communities To Maintain Peace

By David Owei, Bayelsa
The Bayelsa State Government has appealed to the people of Yenagoa and Ovom communities currently locked in a dispute over ownership of the land, where the new 9-storey secretariat is sited, to sustain their age long unity and peaceful coexistence.
The Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, made the appeal at separate meetings with the leaders and critical stakeholders of both communities in Government House, Yenagoa on Tuesday.
Senator Ewhrudjakpo, in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mr Doubara Atasi, pointed out that there was no need for both communities to feud over the land as government had acquired it for development purposes several decades ago.
According to the Deputy Governor, every land acquired by government with compensation paid becomes its property, stressing that all the communities lying within 15-kilometre radius from Yenagoa make up the Bayelsa State capital.
While acknowledging the sacrifices being made by the communities hosting the state capital, he assured that government would continue to protect their interests by performing its corporate social responsibility.
Senator Ewhrudjakpo, however, warned that the present administration would not fold its arms and watch any community or group of people cause crisis to disrupt the prevailing peace in the state for whatever reason.
He particularly cautioned the youths of Ovom against the alleged unwholesome practice of going to ministries, departments and agencies to demand a change in the letterheads and signboards of MDAs to reflect Ovom.
His words: “There is no long-term benefit in conflict. People can disagree, but they can reconcile their differences through the roundtable.
“Yenagoa and Ovom communities have a long history of peaceful coexistence as two sister communities in the Atissa Kingdom in the Yenagoa Local Government Area.
“As communities in the epicenter of the state capital, Ovom and Yenagoa have made huge sacrifices, and they cannot afford to fight themselves over land already acquired by government.
“Our position is that none of the communities own the land of the project site for the new state Secretariat; the ownership of that land now belongs to the Bayelsa State Government by virtue of the Capital City Development Law.
“However, government will continue to protect the interest of the communities who have donated the lands for public use and development.
“We are also receiving reports that some youths of Ovom are going to ministries, departments and agencies demanding for a change of address to reflect Ovom. That attitude is not right, and therefore, must be stopped forthwith.
“We should all know that like any other capital city in this country, the name of Yenagoa has influence over all other communities lying within the 15-km radius of the state capital, and as such Yenagoa is reflected in all addresses.”
In her remarks, the Member representing Yenagoa Constituency 1 in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Ayibanengiyefa Egba, expressed gratitude to the state government for its swift intervention and called on the communities to embrace peace as brothers to foster development and progress.
Others who spoke briefly at the two meetings include the former Technical Adviser to the Governor on Conflict Resolution, Chief Boma Spero-Jack, Hon. Markson Fefegha, Chief Couple Anyamalem, Chief Stephen Abaribote, and Chief Loveday Abaribote.
Top government functionaries present included the commissioners for works, information, marine and blue economy, lands and survey, and that of community development.
Also in attendance were the Chairman of Yenagoa Local Government Area, Hon. Bulodisiye Ndiware, the Acting Surveyor General of Bayelsa State, Geku Tonye Margareth; the Technical Adviser to the Governor on Boundary Matters, Hon. Salem Vote, among others.
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