News
Okorocha Inaugurates Imo Traditional Parliament
The Imo Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, on Thursday
inaugurated the state traditional parliament with the mandate to pass laws that
would govern communities.
Inaugurating the parliament, Okorocha said there was the
need to revive long-standing Igbo traditional culture and practices now facing
extinction.
He noted that the traditional parliament, an offshoot of the
Community Government Council (CGC), was necessary because, according to him,
the local government had not lived up to expectations.
“The government at the local government has been hanging.
Until you introduce the community government, governance cannot be said to have
reached the people.
“There is no government when there is no community
government. Before, governance was a top-to-bottom approach, but now it is a
bottom-to-top approach where more power is given to the people,” he said.
The governor urged the traditional rulers to ensure they
made laws that would affect the lives of members of the community and preserve
their culture.
He challenged the traditional rulers to ensure peace and
security of lives and property in their respective communities.
He noted that each traditional ruler would take
responsibility for any breakdown of law and order as well as insecurity in his
area.
“This government will hold the traditional rulers
responsible for any criminal activity in their community.
“The “Ezes” have a duty to help us check criminal activity.
Ezes should question strange faces and activities of people in their various
communities,” he said.
Okorocha said the community government council would
introduce the spirit of patriotism into communities and make each community the
food basket of Imo.
He cautioned against unnecessary award of chieftaincy
titles, saying in the next few years, traditional rulers would be graded
according to the agricultural produce from their areas, number of roads
maintained and number of trees planted.
Also speaking, the Speaker of the Imo House of Assembly, Mr
Benjamin Uwajimuogu, explained that the CGC was passed and signed into law
after a public hearing and deliberations by the assembly.
He said the 49-page law recognised all communities in the
state, adding that the essence was to formalise the existence of community
governance. “There is no way we can develop the community without the active
participation of the traditional rulers.
“The aim of community council is to bring the governor and
community leaders into fusion,” he said.
Prof. Chima Iwuchukwu, the Commissioner for Public Utilities
and Community Government Council, noted that the CGC would bring about peace in
communities and ensure everyone enjoyed equity, and was recognised at all
levels. He said the council would bring development to the grassroots by
relating with both the local and state governments.
“The CGC will succeed because it will relate with both the
local government and the state. It will be government of the people, with the
people and for the people,” he said.
The Chairman of the Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers,
Eze Samuel Ohiri, on behalf of the traditional rulers, commended the governor
for instituting the parliament and for ensuring that the Igbo culture was
revived in the state.
The 2025 annual general meeting (AGM) and conference of the Rivers/Bayelsa states chapter of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has come to a close with a strong call for both states to drive the blue economy.
The communique just issued after the AGM pointed to what it called emerging prospects in fish processing, seaweed cultivation, ship repair, and marine technology.
The communique which also mentioned human capital gaps that must be filled through technical and vocational training that are aligned with modern industrial needs, said the blue economy represents a viable pathway for Nigeria’s industrialisation.
It said MAN and Arican Marine Environment Sustainability Initiative (AFMESI) have the capacity to unlock Nigeria’s blue economy sustainably and inclusively, but said the region required dedicated infrastructure upgrades, including roads, waterways, and power.
The communique was signed by Vincent Okuku (Chairman of Rivers/Bayelsa States Branch); Michael Nosa Agana (Branch Vice Chairman/Chairman AGM planning Committee); and Chibuzor Eze (Executive Secretary, Rivers/Bayelsa States Branch).
The resolutions said the future of the Niger Delta economy lies in diversification rather than dependence on extractive industries. “Technology and innovation, value addition and local processing, strategic infrastructure, and a skilled workforce are essential pillars for the future of manufacturing in the region.
“Governments in the region must intensify support for manufacturing activities. Various forms of collaboration across sectors should be actively encouraged.”
It specifically advised Bayelsa and Rivers States to fully develop and harness the blue economy as strategic gateways for sustainable growth; and called for cross-border partnerships with neighbouring states to enhance trade, security, and environmental management.”
The Rivers/Bayelsa States branch of MAN held its first (41st) AGM outside Port Harcourt for the first time, hosted by Bayelsa State Government at the Chief D.S.P. Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall, with the theme: ‘Trade, Technology, and the Future of Manufacturing in the Niger Delta.’
In his welcome address, the chairman of the branch, Okuku, commended the Bayelsa State Government under the leadership of Gov Douye Diri for its efforts in industrial development, investment promotion, and strong partnership with the private sector.
He also acknowledged the Rivers State Government for its commitment to rehabilitating industrial clusters, improving access roads, and delivering key infrastructure.
He, however, expressed concern over persistent challenges such as high energy costs, unreliable electricity supply, weak transport systems, rising logistics expenses, multiple taxes and levies, inconsistent regulatory frameworks, and pressure from host communities, which continue to hinder manufacturing growth in both states.
The President of MAN, Francis Meshioye, noted that the Niger Delta, with its abundant resources and strategic location, holds vast potential for industrial expansion. He called for policy frameworks that promote local manufacturing, enhance trade, and attract investments to the region.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Minister of the Federal Ministry of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, represented by Wasa Festus, Director of Community Development and Education. Another goodwill message was also presented by the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Trade, Industry and Investment, Ebieri Jones.
In his remarks, Gov Diri praised MAN for its contributions to Nigeria’s manufacturing sector, noting its resilience, innovation, and strategic role in national development. He stated that the conference theme aligns with his administration’s mantra of “Assured Prosperity.”
Gov Diri offered 24-hour service to manufacturers wishing to relocate to the state, and highlighted the State’s ongoing transformation through deliberate investment in infrastructure, security, and human capital aimed at positioning Bayelsa State as a hub for industrial growth, particularly in the blue economy, agriculture, and manufacturing.
He further noted that hosting the 41st AGM fulfilled a long-desired aspiration of the State following the successful 2024 MAN event in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. He officially declared the exhibition open.
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund has alerted the public to a fraudulent message circulating online, claiming that the NELFUND Student Loan Registration Portal is open.
The message directs applicants to a third-party link (http://gvly.xyz/Nelfund-Student-Loan, which NELFUND confirms is unauthorised and fraudulent.
In a post obtained from its X handle, yesterday, NELFUND urged students and the general public not to click on the link or provide any personal information, emphasising that the official loan registration portal is only accessible through the Fund’s verified channels.
The agency reminded applicants to exercise caution online and to report any suspicious links or communications claiming to be from NELFUND.
“Applicants are encouraged to always verify official announcements via NELFUND’s official website and social media channels,” NELFUND said.
This advisory comes as part of NELFUND’s ongoing efforts to safeguard students and ensure the integrity of the student loan application process.
-
News5 days ago
Reps Move To Suspend 2026 WAEC’s Computer-based Exam Policy
-
Sports5 days ago
New WW Whyte Secondary Schools Cup Kicks Off In PH
-
Sports5 days ago
Golfers Donate N6m To Charity Homes After Tournament
-
Opinion5 days ago
The Girl Who Didn’t Dance
-
Business5 days ago
PenCom Completes Nov Retirees Payments, Declares End To Delayed Pension Disbursements
-
News4 days ago
NELFUND Warns Students Against Fake Loan Portal
-
News5 days agoFG Suspends Planned 15% Import Duty On PMS, Diesel
-
Sports5 days ago
Bisi Open Championship: Coach Attributes Victory To Hard Work