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Ada-George, Iwofe Roads: Can The Contractors Deliver?

Published

14 years ago

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The contractor handling the dualisation of Ada-George Road had assured the Rivers State Government that work on the road would be completed this year while work is yet to commence on the dualisation of Iwofe Road. Given their terrible conditions, our staff writer, Calista Ezeaku and photographer, Prince Obinna asked residents of the areas what their thoughts are. Their responses.

 

Mr Bright Kamalu, business man

Work on the road is in progress. At least, the construction company, has been trying to make sure that some areas are motorable. At least, they are doing something.

The difficulty we encounter is that when people close from work, there will be hold up, but with other small roads around, we can manage it.

We are appealing to government to, at least, ginger the contractor, let them do something between now and December, so that by next year, we know that we are done.

Mr Justice Ichienwo, student, University of Port Harcourt

I think for now, it seems  I am the only one feeling bad about the road. I don’t know if other people are also feeling bad. For me, I think that the work on the road (Ada-George Road) is not moving as I expected it. I don’t know if government is owing or if government has not mobilised them (the construction company) or if the problem is from the contractor. So, I don’t know. There is rumour that they (the construction company) need mobilisation. I think  if mobilisation is the problem, government should just look into it so that from now till December, the contractor can do something about it.

Whenever there is rain, there will be flood every where. Most of the time, I fold my trouser, remove my shoes, just to cross over to my place. This has lasted for at least a year and two months.

If money is the problem, they should give them the money so that we will know that the contractor is the one owing the people.

Mr Goodness Sunday, treasurer, Keke Owners Association of Nigeria,  Ada-George Branch.

This place has been disturbing us for about three years now. Sometimes, hold up will be everywhere, we’ll have no access to go anywhere. Like Iwofe Road, we have not been going there often, right from this year. When it rains, you cannot go there. Like Ada George, even people that are constructing the road are not doing the work the way they are supposed to do it. When you go there, sometimes they will take water and block everywhere, in the name of doing the work.

Nevertheless, we are still hoping they can do something better. For now, our work is not moving well because of the road. I want the state government to talk to the company handling this work (the construction company), that they should fasten this job. They cannot be working one place. It is getting to four years since they started constructing this place, till now the work is not completed.

So, I want government to look into the matter, meet with the director of the company. They should hasten this job so that they can be able to go another place, not staying in one place for about four years without achieving the purpose of coming there.

Government should help even on this Iwofe Road. It is very bad from St John’s down here (Ada George Road junction). I paid N100.00 which is something that I can pay N50.00 to reach. But I paid N100.00. Sometimes, you can stay here for more than one or two hours, you will not able to get motor from here to Iwofe. Not to talk of Eliparanwo, that place is ‘no go area’. We are suffering a lot in this area. So, we need  government to come and help us, so that we can benefit from government.

Evangelist Joseph S. Nwodu, missionary.

My experience on this road is so bad, although government is trying. But we ask the government to put more effort to make sure they facilitate the road. The road is too bad, so as a result of it, motorists have increased the transport fare. Sometimes, they will charge you N200.00, from Whimpey junction to Ngbuakali, Eliparanwo. Some other times, they will charge you N100.00. Last night (Tuesday night), we paid N150.00. They (drivers) charge what suits them because of the bad road.

So, I want government to do something this raining season. Otherwise, businesses and social life will suffer, and this will increase the problem in the state. When somebody is not regular in areas of his assignment, you will know that it is a problem. When it rains, people don’t come to church the way they are supposed to because of the bad road. So the nature of the road is affecting moral life of the people.

So, we want government to put more effort on what they have started. Let them try to finish it.

Mr Edward Shan, business man.

I can say the government is trying. The governor is doing fine. Every government must initiate a  project and at the beginning of the initiation of the project, there must be some minor hiccups.

So, I think the Governor of Rivers State, Rt Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi is really trying his best. So, people should learn how to be patient withr government. I believe within the shortest period, the road will be completed. The road is not all that bad. It is a normal thing with any road that is under construction. Of course, there must be some minor inconveniences.

So, I am still appealing to the people to be patient with the government because I believe within the shortest period, the road will be in good shape.

The contractor should try and hasten the job for the convenience of the road users.

Mr  Micheal Nwachi, automobile mechanic.

In fact, since this road got bad like this, we have remained jobless. I’m even looking for a job in a company right now because people don’t pass this road again (Iwofe Road). It is only the big vehicles that pass this road. You cannot see any small car pass this road, assuming the person wants to get to Iwofe. They will always be looking for other routes to get to Iworfe. No small car can pass this road. Even the big cars find it difficult to pass the road because the road is terribly bad. In fact, I have never seen a road like this in the whole Rivers State that is as bad as this Iwofe Road.

So, that has kept everybody here off business. Many of them have parked out. These shops here were very busy but if you look at the shops now, you will see that all of them are under lock and key. Only one is operating there because of the road. So,iftis a terrible situation.

You waste all your time on the road, waste your fuel and everything. In fact, we are not happy. We feel very bad, we feel as if we are not part of the state, we not included. This area seems as if we are isolated from what is happening in other areas of the state.

So, we pray that government one day, will remember this Iwofe Road. Though we heard that the contract has been awarded but we have not seen anything happening, nothing. My car gets bad each and every movement. If you fix your thyroid, bolt joint, and shock absorbers, before one or two weeks, you go back to mechanic workshop to do the same job again. So, the road is really making car owners spend more money maintaining their cars. Some have even parked their cars. They use public transport to go out for business because of the way the road has spoilt their cars. So, it is really a bad situation.

We really want government to come to our rescue, because this road is a government road. It is a major road linking so many companies in this area. So, if government will come and put this road in order, the economic situation of the state will be boosted. The companies operating here are paying more tax to the government. So the government has the right (obligation) to come and fix this road.

Marilyn Esien, teacher.

It has been something else going to school with the bad road. We have to trek a long distance because no car is passing this way (Iwofe Road). You have to trek down, sometimes you swim the water with your legs. We (the school) has lost a lot of children because of this road. Parents say their children cannot pay through here so they decided to change their children to other schools. The other ones that are still trying to come, school bus sometimes will sink here. You will now transfer them from one bus to another to pass this place.

Whenever it rains, you have to wait extra two hours for the water to come down or turn round to follow Eliparanwo. So, any time rain falls here, it is ‘no go area’.

So, I want government to do something about this road. At least, let them put it in their own budget that this road is one of the roads they will finish before this tenure finishes.

Mr Livinus Onyenwike, civil servant.

The thing is a very big problem, because going to work, you must have to trek from here to where you can enter motor because no motor will agree to carry you along here because of the bad road.

Let us emulate the western world. Because in the western world where our people go to buy property, things are not like this. If they are like this, they cannot go there to do any thing.

I don’t even believe that this road will still be like this up till now. So, it is not good. We are not animals. We are human beings. We are supposed to emulate good things from the western world. We have the money, we have the resources, we have everything. So, we are supposed to do better things. This road is an eye sour. Many shops are closed. Many people are parking out. If rain falls, flood will take over every where. If you enter the compound where I am living, you will see how we heaped blanks of wood to cross over to our rooms. It is because of bad road, it is not good.

Government must have to do something. We are all human beings. We need good health and good environment.

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Opinion

Curbing Youth Unemployment In Nigeria

Published

1 week ago

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March 30, 2026

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Quote: “A nation that fails to empower its youth risks mortgaging its future.”
Youth, generally defined as individuals between the ages of 15 and 35, represent a critical phase of human development—a transition from adolescence to adulthood marked by ambition, energy, and the pursuit of purpose. In Nigeria, this demographic constitutes a significant proportion of the population, making it one of the country’s greatest assets. However, this strength is increasingly undermined by a persistent and troubling challenge: youth unemployment.
Unemployment, the condition of being without gainful employment despite the willingness and ability to work, remains a major global concern. In Nigeria, however, it has reached alarming levels, particularly among young people. With estimates suggesting that a substantial percentage of Nigerian youth are either unemployed or underemployed, the consequences have become deeply embedded in the nation’s social and economic fabric.
The impact of youth unemployment is both widespread and severe. Economically, it leads to increased poverty levels and reduced productivity. Socially, it fuels frustration, hopelessness, and disillusionment among young people. This often manifests in rising rates of crime, cyber fraud, substance abuse, and involvement in political violence. When young people are unable to find legitimate means of livelihood, they may become vulnerable to negative influences, posing a threat not only to themselves but to society at large.
One of the primary drivers of youth unemployment in Nigeria is the inadequacy of the educational system. While many young Nigerians graduate from tertiary institutions each year, a significant number lack the practical and technical skills required in today’s job market. The disconnect between academic curricula and industry demands leaves graduates ill-prepared for employment, thereby widening the gap between education and employability.
Furthermore, Nigeria’s heavy dependence on the oil sector has contributed significantly to the unemployment crisis. Over the years, this reliance has led to the neglect of other critical sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and technology—sectors that have the potential to generate large-scale employment. The failure to diversify the economy has limited job opportunities and stifled innovation, leaving many young people without viable career paths.
In addition, rapid population growth continues to put immense pressure on the labor market. Each year, thousands of graduates enter the workforce, but the number of available jobs remains insufficient to absorb them. This imbalance creates intense competition for limited opportunities, leaving many qualified individuals unemployed for extended periods.
Access to finance also remains a major barrier for young Nigerians who wish to venture into entrepreneurship. Despite the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit that many youths possess, the lack of access to credit facilities, mentorship, and business support systems makes it difficult for them to establish and sustain their own enterprises. This challenge is further compounded by infrastructural deficits, such as unreliable power supply and limited access to technology.
Security challenges across various parts of the country have also worsened the situation. In some regions, economic hardship and lack of opportunities have made young people susceptible to recruitment into violent or extremist activities. This not only exacerbates insecurity but also diverts the energy of the youth away from productive engagement.
Addressing youth unemployment in Nigeria requires a comprehensive and collaborative approach. The government must take the lead by implementing policies that promote economic diversification, particularly by investing in agriculture, manufacturing, and the digital economy. These sectors hold immense potential for job creation and can absorb a large portion of the unemployed youth population.
Equally important is the reform of the educational system to emphasize skill acquisition, vocational training, and entrepreneurship. Schools and institutions must align their curricula with market needs, ensuring that graduates are equipped with relevant and practical skills. Public-private partnerships can play a vital role in facilitating internships, apprenticeships, and job placement programs.
The private sector also has a crucial role to play in driving job creation and innovation. By investing in youth-focused initiatives and supporting startups, businesses can help unlock the potential of young Nigerians. Additionally, financial institutions should develop more accessible and youth-friendly credit schemes to support small and medium-sized enterprises.
On an individual level, young people must embrace self-development, adaptability, and continuous learning. In an increasingly competitive and evolving global economy, acquiring digital skills, engaging in vocational training, and exploring entrepreneurial opportunities can significantly improve employability.
In conclusion, youth unemployment remains one of the most pressing challenges facing Nigeria today. However, it is not an insurmountable problem. With deliberate policies, strategic investments, and collective action from government, the private sector, and individuals, Nigeria can transform its youth population into a powerful engine of growth and development. By empowering young people with opportunities, skills, and resources, the nation can secure a more prosperous and stable future.
IVARA Favour Isaac is a student of Pan-African Institute of Management and Technology.
By:  Ivara Favour Isaac
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Opinion

Ozoro Festival: Tradition or Tyranny?

Published

1 week ago

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March 30, 2026

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Quote:“These images are not merely disturbing; they represent a direct assault on human dignity, bodily autonomy, and the rule of law.”
In recent days, national attention has turned to the small community of Ozoro in Delta State, where what was once described as a cultural fertility rite—the Alue-Do Festival—has become the subject of outrage, grief, and urgent national reflection. According to accounts from notable indigenes of Ozoro and the Isoko ethnic group, the festival was originally conceived as a symbolic ritual intended to bless couples struggling with conception. In theory, it was meant to celebrate life, continuity, and communal identity. However, what reportedly unfolded on March 22 bore no resemblance to any noble cultural ideal. Videos circulating widely on social media show groups of men chasing women, forcibly stripping them, and subjecting them to sexual assault in public spaces. These images are not merely disturbing; they represent a direct assault on human dignity, bodily autonomy, and the rule of law.
They compel us to confront a difficult but necessary question: when does tradition cease to be culture and become tyranny? It is encouraging that prominent voices—including the First Lady, the Minister of Women Affairs, human rights organisations, and women’s advocacy groups—have condemned these barbaric acts. The Delta State Government has since banned the Alue-Do Festival, while law enforcement authorities have reportedly made arrests. Yet beyond the immediate outrage lies a deeper and more uncomfortable conversation—one that communities across the country must confront honestly: the thin line between culture and abuse. “Culture is not static—it evolves, or at least, it should.” Culture is often described as the soul of a people, encompassing traditions, beliefs, and practices passed down through generations. Nigeria is richly endowed with diverse cultural heritage, much of which we rightly celebrate.
 However, when culture becomes a shield for harmful practices, it loses its moral authority. When actions that violate fundamental human rights are justified in the name of tradition, we must ask: whose culture is this, and at what cost? The events in Ozoro illustrate how a practice that may once have held symbolic meaning can devolve into something deeply harmful. Even if the Alue-Do Festival began as a benign fertility rite, its present manifestation—marked by violence and coercion—cannot be defended. “Culture must align with dignity, consent, and respect—anything less is not tradition, but abuse.” One of the most persistent arguments in defence of controversial practices is that they are “part of our heritage” and therefore beyond criticism. Yet harmful practices—child marriage, inhumane widowhood rites, and domestic abuse—have long been justified using this same reasoning. This argument is not only flawed; it is dangerous. No culture is above scrutiny, particularly when it endangers the rights and safety of its people.
History reminds us that many practices once considered “normal” are now widely condemned. Societies progress by questioning and reforming such practices—not by clinging to them. Nigeria is not exempt from this reality. As a nation governed by law and constitutional principles, we cannot afford to tolerate practices that undermine the rights of citizens—especially women. At the heart of the Ozoro incident lies a broader societal issue: the perception of women as objects rather than autonomous individuals. The actions of the perpetrators were not isolated—they were enabled by a mindset that sees women’s bodies as accessible, controllable, and, in some contexts, communal property. “Women are not possessions, prizes, or objects of exploitation—they are individuals with rights, agency, and dignity.” This mindset reflects a deeper systemic problem often described as “rape culture,” visible in victim-blaming narratives, the dismissal of harassment, and the silence that frequently surrounds abuse.
 For meaningful change to occur, this mindset must be confronted directly. Parents, religious institutions, government agencies, and the media all have critical roles to play in reshaping societal attitudes. Traditional institutions also wield significant influence, particularly in rural communities. With that influence comes responsibility—not only to preserve culture but to ensure that cultural practices align with contemporary standards of human rights and decency.The reported denial by the Ovie of Ozoro Kingdom of knowledge of the recent festival raises important questions about oversight and accountability. Community leaders and members alike must rise to their responsibilities. Cultural practices are sustained by collective acceptance. Silence, indifference, or complicity only perpetuate harm. While cultural reform is essential, it must be accompanied by accountability. The arrests made in connection with the incident are a step in the right direction, but they must lead to tangible outcomes. “Justice must not only be done—it must be seen to be done.”
 Allowing perpetrators of sexual violence to go unpunished sends a dangerous message—that such actions are tolerable. This fosters a culture of impunity. The law must be clear and unequivocal: sexual assault, in any form and under any guise, is a crime. It is not a cultural expression—it is a violation.It must be emphasised that calling for the abandonment of harmful cultural practices is not an attack on tradition, but a call to refine it.  Culture, at its best, is dynamic—it adapts while preserving its core values.“Tradition should uplift, not oppress.” Modernising culture does not mean erasing identity. It means ensuring that traditions remain relevant, inclusive, and respectful of human dignity. As Nigeria continues to evolve, it must decide what kind of society it aspires to be: one that hides behind tradition to justify abuse, or one that embraces progress while honouring its heritage responsibly. The outrage over the events in Ozoro is justified—but outrage alone is not enough
. It must translate into action: legal, cultural, and educational. We must state, without ambiguity, that no tradition justifies the violation of human dignity. We must hold perpetrators accountable and challenge the attitudes that enable such acts. True development is measured not only by infrastructure or economic growth, but by how a society treats its most vulnerable members. “If a cultural practice dehumanises, degrades, or endangers, it has no place in a modern society.” Where tradition fails to uphold dignity, it ceases to be culture. It becomes tyranny.
By: Calista Ezeaku
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Opinion

Bazia  EXCO @ One: NUJ Rivers Reawakened

Published

2 weeks ago

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March 23, 2026

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Quote: “For the first time in years, Rivers journalists are not just hearing promises—they are seeing a union that works.”
The first year in office of the Paul Bazia-led executive of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), has offered something many had almost given up on—renewed confidence in union leadership. For a body as critical as the NUJ, whose responsibility goes beyond professional coordination to include the welfare, protection, and continuous development of journalists, expectations are always high. Unfortunately, past experiences had conditioned many members to expect less—less action, less visibility, and less impact.This is why the past twelve months stand out. Within a relatively short period, the Bazia-led administration has demonstrated a level of drive that distinguishes it from its predecessors. There is a noticeable shift from inertia to activity, from routine administration to purposeful leadership. Initiatives captured in the one-year report point to an executive that understands both the urgency of its mandate and the frustrations of its members.
Particularly commendable is the renewed attention to journalists’  welfare. For too long, welfare issues have lingered without meaningful resolution, leaving many practitioners feeling unsupported. The current leadership’s efforts—through engagement, structured support, and timely interventions—signal a welcome change in priorities. Equally important is the push toward professional development. In an era where journalism is rapidly evolving, capacity building is no longer optional. The administration’s commitment to training and skill enhancement reflects an understanding that a stronger union must be built on more competent and competitive professionals. There is also something to be said about visibility and voice. A vibrant NUJ must not only serve its members internally but also stand as a credible voice in the public space—defending press freedom, promoting ethical standards, and constructively engaging critical issues.
Encouragingly, the current executive appears more present and responsive, giving the union a renewed sense of relevance. Perhaps what resonates most, however, is the sense of movement. For many members, the difference between the present and the immediate past is not subtle—it is clear. Where there was once stagnation, there is now direction. Where there was doubt, there is growing belief. Beyond the visible strides recorded within this first year, what perhaps deserves even greater applause is the restoration of institutional confidence within the Nigeria Union of Journalists. For a long time, many members had grown disenchanted, viewing the union more as a ceremonial body than an active force capable of defending their interests and advancing their welfare. That narrative, however, is gradually changing. The Bazia-led executive has not only initiated programs but has also rekindled a sense of belonging among members.
 Meetings appear more purposeful, engagements more intentional, and decisions more reflective of collective interest. This psychological shift—subtle as it may seem—is one of the most critical achievements of the past year, because a union that its members believe in is already halfway to effectiveness. It is also important to underscore the contrast with the immediate past, not as an exercise in criticism, but as a necessary context for measuring progress. Where previous administrations struggled to translate plans into action, the current leadership has shown a greater bias for execution. Projects that once lingered in discussion stages are now seeing tangible movement, and issues that were previously deferred are receiving attention. This difference in approach—moving from prolonged deliberation to decisive action—has helped reposition the union as a more responsive and relevant institution.
While no administration is without its shortcomings, the willingness to act, even in the face of constraints, marks a significant departure from what members were accustomed to. Looking ahead, the expectations of members—and indeed the wider public—will only grow stronger. With a solid first year behind it, the Bazia-led executive now carries the burden of consistency. Members will expect deeper welfare interventions that go beyond immediate relief to more sustainable support systems. They will look for expanded training opportunities that prepare journalists for the rapidly changing media landscape. They will also expect a firmer, more courageous voice on issues affecting press freedom and professional integrity. Above all, they will demand continuity—assurance that the progress recorded so far is not a fleeting phase but the beginning of a sustained transformation.
Meeting these expectations will not be easy, but it is precisely this challenge that defines enduring leadership. That said, this moment of applause must also serve as a moment of reflection. A strong first year inevitably raises expectations. Journalists in Rivers State will now look beyond initial achievements toward consolidation. Welfare interventions must become more structured and far-reaching. Training programs must be sustained and expanded. Advocacy must become more consistent and impactful. Most importantly, the unity of the union must be strengthened, ensuring that all members feel included and carried along. Transparency will also be key. Continued open communication about finances, decisions, and challenges will deepen trust and set a standard for accountable union leadership. The task ahead is clear: to convert early momentum into lasting institutional progress.
For the Bazia-led executive, the opportunity is significant. It has, within one year, reawakened belief in what the NUJ Rivers State Council can be. The next step is to ensure that this renewed energy does not fade, but instead becomes the foundation of a stronger, more responsive, and more respected union. For the members, the message is equally clear—expect more, demand more, and support what works because in the end, a vibrant union is not built by leadership alone, but by a collective commitment to progress. And for now, under Bazia, that progress has truly begun.
By: Sylvia ThankGod-Amadi
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