Rivers

Rivers: Okada Riders Get Reflective Vests, ID Cards

Published

17 years ago

July 1, 2009

The Rivers State Government has charged commercial motorcycle operators in nineteen local government areas of the State and parts of Eleme and Oyigbo council areas where their operation has not been banned to cue into the transport reform programmes of the present administration for their good.

Speaking at the launch of a new regime of commercial motorcycle operators’ reflective vest, identification card and crash helmets at Isiokpo, headquarters of Ikwerre local government area, the state, Transport Commissioner, Mr. George Tolofari, explained that the launch was part of government’s plan to improve the security of lives and properties in parts of the state where okada business was still operational.

Hon. Tolofari expressed appreciation to the State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Chief Chris Oruge for uniting commercial motorcycle operators in the State under the National Union of Road Transport Workers, stressing that with the present unity of purpose government could partner with them to make okada business more profitable and security-oriented.

The commissioner, who said that both the Rivers State Commercial Motorcycle Operators Law No. 5 of 2001 and the Rivers State Road Traffic Law No. 8 of 2003 had remained moribund ever since they were enacted into law, stated that the present administration was determined to enforce the laws not as a witch hunt but for the improvement of the transport sub sector in the state.

According to him, commercial motorcycle operators in the affected council areas who would readily buy into the new reflective vest, crash helmet and identification cards regime would not only save themselves, and their families from unwarranted pains and loss of lives, but would also not have any hard times in the hands of law enforcement agents as it affects the enforcement of the safety kits.

Hon. Tolofari, who expressed gratitude to the Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area, Hon. Kerian Wobodo for his impressive hosting of the launch, appealed to the area police commands and federal road safety commission units across the affected council areas to join efforts to see that commercial motorcycle operators use the kits in line with government position on safety and relevant legislations.

The commissioner used the opportunity to announce government’s commitment to empower indigenous okada riders who were affected by the state government ban on commercial motorcycle business through the Skye Bank Taxi Scheme and appealed that when the taxis are given to them, it should be used to improve their living standards.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area, Mr. Kerian Wobodo, thanked the state ministry of transport for its determination to ensure that the Okada and Rivers State Road Traffic Laws are implemented in order to realise set objectives in the transport sub-sector in the state, adding that they should always carry one passenger as required by law.

Mr. Wobodo appealed to commercial motorcycle operators in the council areas where their operation has not been banned to appreciate the use of the reflective vest, crash helmet and identification card for their well being and improvement of security in the state.

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary in the State Ministry of Transport, Prince Vincent Atako, applauded the new vest, identification card and crash helmet initiative, saying that the development was a government gesture that commercial motorcycle should take advantage of to improve their operations for their good and that of commuters.

Earlier, the State Chairman of the NURTW, Okada branch, Chief S.O. Chukwu, had expressed their commitment to the transport reforms of the state government and assured of the willingness of their members to abide by the government new vest ID card and crash helmet regime to give their operations a better corporate image.

Speaker, Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Tonye Harry (right) welcoming Most Rev. Ignatius Kattey, Archibisshop of Niger Delta Province and Bishop of Niger Delta North Diocese during the latter’s visit to the Assembly penultimate Monday. Photo: Chris Monyanaga

Rivers

Ibaka Market Women Laud Okrika Chairman Over Empowerment, Reforms

Published

19 hours ago

April 27, 2026

The Tide

Traders at Ibaka Town Market have commended the Chairman of Okrika Local Government Area, Hon. Akuro Alfred Tobin, for his administration’s empowerment initiatives targeted at women, and ongoing market reforms.

The women made the commendation recently when members of the Ibaka Town Market Women Association paid a courtesy visit to the Council’s boss to express their appreciation for what they described as impactful and people-oriented leadership.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, the Women Leader, Mrs. Comfort Achese, praised the Chairman for the financial grants disbursed during the first phase of his empowerment programme.

According to her, the intervention has significantly boosted business activities and improved the livelihoods of small-scale traders within the market.

She described the initiative as timely and transformative, noting that many women have been able to expand their trading capacity and better support their families as a result of the financial support.

The delegation also applauded the Council’s Chairman for taking proactive steps to address longstanding challenges within Ibaka Market.

They noted noticeable improvements in the trading environment, which they said have contributed to a more organized, safer, and conducive space for commerce.

Responding, Hon. Tobin expressed gratitude to the market women for the visit and their continued support. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to grassroots development, emphasizing that empowering women and small businesses remains central to his governance agenda.

The Chairman further assured the traders that additional phases of the empowerment programme are in the pipeline, alongside further infrastructural upgrades aimed at strengthening economic activities across markets in the Local Government Area.

He encouraged the women to remain steadfast in their businesses, assuring them that his administration would continue to implement policies and programmes that promote inclusive growth and improve living standards in Okrika.

The visit underscores the growing collaboration between the Council’s leadership and grassroots stakeholders, particularly women, in driving sustainable economic development within the community.

By: By Michael T. Abraham

Rivers

Ogu-Bolo Chairman Presents N20.51bn 2026 Budget

Published

19 hours ago

April 27, 2026

The Tide

The Executive Chairman of Ogu-Bolo Local Government Area (LGA), Barr. Vincent Nemieboka, has presented a ?20,509,859,898.65 appropriation bill for the 2026 fiscal year to the Legislative Assembly.

He said this is a reaffirmation of his administration’s commitment to inclusive growth and sustainable development.

The budget proposal, unveiled during the maiden plenary session held in the newly renovated Legislative Chamber, he said, marks a significant milestone for the Council.

The upgraded chamber, equipped with modern facilities, hosted lawmakers and top government officials in what was described as a historic sitting.

Welcoming the Chairman, the Leader of the Legislative Assembly, Chief Cllr. Tekena Akor, described the occasion as a turning point for governance in the area and expressed confidence that the proposed budget would accelerate development across Ogu-Bolo.

In his address, Nemieboka expressed gratitude to God for the successful inauguration of the new legislative session and commended the Assembly for its continued cooperation with the Executive arm.

He also pledged to construct a brand-new Legislative Chamber to further strengthen legislative operations.

The Chairman extended condolences to the Assembly over the passing of the father of the House Leader, offering prayers for strength and comfort to the bereaved family.

Reflecting on the achievements of his administration, Nemieboka highlighted several ongoing and completed projects across the council.

He disclosed that electrification projects in Ikpokiri and Opu-Ama communities are at advanced stages, with transmission towers already installed and efforts underway to connect them to the national grid.

He noted that the island community of Iwo Kiri has been equipped with solar-powered street lighting, while the ELE Health Centre is nearing completion.

In the education sector, ELE Primary School is undergoing major renovation, including reroofing and structural upgrades, while construction is ongoing at Bolo Primary School.

Additionally, a modern Assembly Hall is being built for Community Secondary School, Bolo.

Other projects include the commencement of Teachers’ Quarters in Owuogono Community, completion of electrical infrastructure in Chuku-Ama, pending transformer installation, and near completion of a Town Hall and footpath road in Nemieboka-Ama.

In Wakama, internal road construction has been completed, alongside rehabilitation of a previously damaged school building.

On empowerment initiatives, the Chairman disclosed that monthly grants for youths are ongoing, while 500 women are set to benefit from ?150,000 each as business support grants aimed at boosting small-scale enterprises and improving household incomes.

He also highlighted a partnership with the Lulu Briggs Foundation, through which law students received ?1 million each in educational support.

Looking ahead, the 2026 budget outlines ambitious plans, including the construction of recreational and developmental centres such as gyms and basketball courts, implementation of a subsidized transport scheme, and expansion of skill acquisition programmes.

The Chairman further said plans are also underway for the building and furnishing of a befitting palace for the Ogu Kingdom, procurement of a bus for legislators, and further investments in sports development.

In a notable declaration, Barr. Nemieboka stated that the council is free from bank debt, attributing this to prudent financial management, transparency, and responsible leadership.

He expressed optimism that the 2026 budget would consolidate existing gains and deliver improved infrastructure, economic opportunities, and enhanced welfare for the people of Ogu-Bolo.

Observers say the scale and scope of the proposed budget reflect a deliberate effort by the council to sustain development momentum and address critical needs across communities within the Local Government Area.

By: Michael T. Abraham

Rivers

FIDA Urges Bane Girls To Embrace AI Skills

Published

19 hours ago

April 27, 2026

The Tide

As the digital revolution reshapes global opportunities, the Chairperson of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Rivers State Branch, Mrs. Tamunoibuemi Life-George, has called on girls in Bane Community to embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a vital tool for empowerment and inclusion.

This was part of her message, recently, during the celebration of this year’s International Girls in ICT Day at Marian High School, Bane, in Khana Local Government Area.

The FIDA Chairperson stressed the urgency of equipping girls with relevant digital skills to enable them compete in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

Represented by the association’s Secretary, Mrs. Okorite Yobo, Life-George said the initiative reflects FIDA’s commitment to nurturing a new generation of female innovators, problem-solvers and leaders in the digital economy.

She noted that AI, when properly harnessed, offers vast opportunities for learning, creativity and economic advancement, adding that girls must be encouraged to take their rightful place in the technology space.

The Chairperson continued that digital knowledge should not be perceived as the exclusive domain of boys, insisting that bridging the gender gap in technology requires deliberate and sustained advocacy at all levels.

The FIDA Chairpseron explained that her association’s outreach to Bane Community was intentional, and aimed at extending digital awareness to rural areas where access to such opportunities was limited.

Life-George further reiterated that Information and Communication Technology (ICT) represents the future of work and innovation, warning that excluding girls from this space would widen existing inequalities.

She expressed concern over the continued underrepresentation of women in technology-related careers, calling for early exposure and mentorship to spark interest among young girls.

She also commended Cinfores Limited for its collaboration and support, particularly for donating a laptop to a student as a means of encouraging digital learning and excellence.

Earlier, a Performance Test Officer with Cinfores Limited, Miss Winnie Nnadi, had urged the students to remain focused and committed to their studies, noting that determination and proper guidance are key to success in ICT-related careers.

In her remarks, the Vice Principal of the School, Mrs. Maria Patta, appreciated the organisers for bringing the initiative to the school, describing it as timely and impactful for the students’ future aspirations.

Patta, however, highlighted some of the challenges facing the school, including inadequate funding, lack of a school bus and poor infrastructure, and appealed to stakeholders for support, as students who participated in the debate emerged winners and were rewarded with prizes, reinforcing the event’s theme, “AI for Development: Girls Shaping the Digital Future.”

By: King Onunwor