Niger Delta
ESI Gets Cash, Land Donations To Boost Project
A member of Rivers State House of Assembly representing Emohua Constituency, Hon Chidi Lloyd has donated NIO million for the development of early child education centres initiated by the wife of Rivers State Governor, Judith Amaechi.
Chidi Lloyd, who is also the leader of the legislative house presented a deed of conveyance on six plots of land to the wife of Rivers State Governor, Dame Judith Amaechi on behalf of the Empowerment Support Initiative (ESI), a non governmental organization championing the early child education of less privileged and rural children in the state.
Similarly three local government areas of the state have donated several acres of land in various parts of the state to support what they described as a noble objective of stamping out illiteracy at the grassroots especially among the poor in the society thereby putting smiles on the faces of less privileged children and assisting the Rivers State Government in its pursuit to achieving Millennium Development Goals in Education, Healthcare Delivery and other spheres of life.
Handing over a Deed of Conveyance and a cheque of NlO million to the Governor’s wife in a brief ceremony at Government House, Port Harcourt, Honourable Chidi Lloyd, noted that he was encouraged by the achievement of ESI in child development.
“It is an unprecedented programme as you talk of catching them young and we therefore acquired six plots of land at Elele Alimini and we are here to hand over the Deed of Conveyance and take-off grant of N10 million put together by me and my constituents”, Hon. Lloyd remarked.
Founder of ESI and wife of the Governor Judith Amaechi, expressed appreciation to Hon Chidi Lloyd, who she described as very fruitful and resourceful person, stating that, he was the first caller since she recovered from an injury that she sustained in a domestic accident that made her seek medical treatment abroad.
“Hon Chidi Lloyd is like a brother to me, my husband and family. One thing I know about him is that when he is committed to a thing, he sees it to the end and I know his followers are as committed. This is a special type of gesture, there is gain in working together. We will always be there to work for the betterment of all in the streets. You have sown a seed and will never lack and God will be with you always.
ESI was not my problem but born out of a burden. It doesn’t matter how long it takes to build it but the basic thing is to start. It is like making heaven, it is not so smooth but rough. The project is founded by God, I am only the driver. No human that wasn’t a child first. The challenges we face, the things we saw is what made us today. So, if you have to start, you have to start early from the bottom to the top and the bottom is the children. If you are not able to correct them now, it will be difficult to do it later. Ages three to nine is the right age of framing children to be better persons”, Mrs Amaechi observed.
She expressed optimism that children from very poor families sent to ESI programmes had had tremendous improvement and added that they are fit both academically and physically.
Although Mrs Amaechi admitted that the ESI objective of opening early child education centre in all three hundred and nineteen wards of the state was a very ambitious and bogus programme, she however believes that, “when all of LIS put our hC:lIlds together we will achieve it” .
Presenting the Deeds of Conveyance for lands in six communities in Khana, Chairman Khana LGA Greg Nwideng said his people shared the same vision with the Governor’s wife in promoting early child education and are prepared to partner with ESI.
Alhaji Samipe Ahmed Owanate, Secretary to Degema LGA who represented Council’s Chairman Abiye Davis, said the ESI programme was quite laudable and interesting which galvanized his LGA to move swiftly into action in making land available at Bakana and Degema Consulate for siting the ESI early child education centres.
Also Head of Personnel Management of Emohua LGA Pedro Chinda who represented the Chairman Emeka Woke cited the Bible on the importance of early child training and indeed on all Rivers people to embrace the ESI programme.
“It is good for every person in Rivers State to come and join this noble course. We have fourteen wards and fourteen sites are ready for commissioning. We await you”, he gave assurance.
Mrs Amaechi said she was happy that more donors, patriots and people were coming forward to work with ESI and called on all, irrespective of political differences, to assist ESI to execute its project of promoting early child educa tion for the less privileged children describing it as measure capable of moving the state forward.
The Head of Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mrs Stella Dornubari Gbaraba, has charged the National Association of Ogoni Media House Workers (NAOMEW) World Wide, to be committed to professionalism, patriotism and effective service delivery in the discharge of their duties and rendering of patriotic gestures.
Mrs Gbaraba gave the charge yesterday when the NAOMEW, The Tide Chapter paid her a courtesy call in her office in Port Harcourt.
She expressed deep appreciation for the visit, and assured the Association of her commitment to being a worthy Ogoni Ambassador like late Mr Augustine Nwikinaka, former General Manager of the corporation, to promote the fortunes of the corporation, while counting on their unflinching encouragement, prayers and support to succeed.
“ I am very happy to receive the National Association of Ogoni Media House Workers (The Tide Chapter) today in my office. I am glad you people came to my office, for those that know me in a short while in the corporation, I am a serious-minded person. I heard that the time the corporation was functioning well was under the leadership of late Austin Nwikinaka. Any where I go to, I will rather come down and show working example and that is what the Ogoni person is known for. So I am always proud to associate myself with an Ogoni man, so your support means so much to me,” Mrs Gbaraba said.
She assured them of running an open-door policy in the management of the corporation, and urged stronger partnership between NAOMEW, other unions, interest groups, corporate organisations, institutions and the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation in professional service delivery.
Speaking on behalf of the NAOMEW, The Tide Chapter, the National Secretary of the association, Comrade Taneh Beemene welcomed her into The Tide family and also congratulated her on her very important appointment.
Taneh, who expressed confidence in her experience and abilities to deliver on her assignments, thanked her for the uncommon feats recorded in the corporation within her brief leadership. He said the corporation has been revived from its comatose status that predated her appointment.
“ Within your short time, you have given the corporation a remarkable facelift. We pray that God should give you the enablement to restore the dignity of the corporation. We have come to inform you that we are solidly behind you and will make our untiring contributions to make you succeed, “ he stated.
In his vote of thanks and closing remarks, the Chairman, National Union of Printing, Publishing and Paper Production Workers (NUPPPPROW), Comrade Keyirale Donatus Nwiueh thanked the Head of the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mrs Stella Dornubari Gbaraba for receiving the association in a warm manner, adding that she should count on the support of the association to succeed.
Kiadum Edookor
Niger Delta
OBALGA Sole Administrator Presents Brand New Fire Extinguishers To Council …Commiserates With Traders Over Rumuomasi Market Fire Incident …Commences Desilting Of Drainages
The Sole Administrator of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Dr Clifford Ndu Walter has presented 150 brand new fire extinguishers to the council.
Dr Walter who spoke to newsmen at the council premises at Rumuodumanya said the gesture was part of measures by his administration to ensure safety of lives and council property from unforeseen fire incidents.
He urged the staff of the council to ensure the safety of the extinguishers, while promising to engage experts to teach them how to handle and operate the extinguishers.
Meanwhile, Sole Administrator of Obio Akpor Local Government Council, Dr Clifford Ndu Walter has commiserated with traders at the Rumuomasi Market over the unfortunate fire incident that gutted parts of the market.
Dr Walter who visited the market to assess the level of damage caused by the fire, described it as unfortunate
Addressing the crowd of distressed traders and community members, Dr. Walter acknowledged the historical significance of the market, which was originally built under the administration of the former Obio/Akpor Chairman and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief (Barr.) Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON.
He noted that preliminary findings suggest the fire may have been caused by an electrical fault, though a full investigation is still underway.
“As a local government, we will constitute a thorough investigation team to determine the root cause of the fire,
“Most importantly, we thank God that no lives were lost. I want to assure our traders that the Local Government will not abandon you.
“We will also work with security operatives to safeguard salvaged goods and prevent further losses,” he said.
He encouraged traders to adopt stricter safety measures, especially concerning electrical appliances in markets prone to fire hazards.
“There are many ways fires can ignite, even without an open flame. Let us all be vigilant and prioritise safety,” he cautioned.
Dr. Walter also commended those who stepped in to assist during the emergency.
“We are grateful to all who helped salvage goods and support affected persons during the crisis. Your kindness embodies the spirit of Obio/Akpor. The forthcoming investigation will help us put preventive structures in place,” he said.
The Chairman of the market, Mr. Prince Adele, who accompanied Dr. Walter, during the inspection, identified K-Lane as the most severely affected area.
A statement by the information officer to the council, Ominini Leslie Wokoma said no incident of death was reported by the traders during the visit.
In another development, the Sole Administrator of Obio/Akpor local government council, Sir Clifford Ndu Walter, has commenced a comprehensive canal clearance campaign with a view to identifying and removal of all blockages including illegal structures hindering the free flow of waters in the area.
A statement from the council Press Secretary, Ominini Leslie Wokoma said during the inspection of key canals in the area, several unauthorised barricades and blockages were discovered and removed.
According to the statement, Dr Walter emphasised that illegal dumping, unapproved structures and poor drainage habits endanger communities and undermine government efforts, adding that his administration is committed to protecting lives and property of the citizens.
It said the Sole Administrator also declared his readiness to ensure that all canals and drainages are cleaned, maintained and functioning effectively.
He also warned against further dumping of waste in waterways, citing impending flooding.