News
Aluu 4: Omuokiri Bounces Back
Barely five months after four students of the University of Port Harcourt were allegedly murdered at Omuokiri, Aluu community in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, resulting in the near total break-down of law and order in the area, peace and normal social life have finally returned in the community.
The Tide investigations reveal that normal social activities have gradually started picking up in the community as a result of the restoration of peace in the area.
The four students who were allegedly murdered in cold blood on October 5, 2012, include Chiodika Lordson (Theatre Arts), Ugonna Kelechi Chibuzor (Geology), Mike Lloyd Toku (Civil Engineering) and their friend, Tekena Erikena.
Our correspondent who visited Omuokiri community, Wednesday, reports that many people were seen to be going about their normal businesses without any form of molestation and fear, while new buildings were seen springing up in all directions in the community.
Work on the rehabilitation of the UNIPORT Aluu Road was on-going, as workers of the construction company handling the project were seen on their duty posts just as commercial bus and taxi operators made the most of the busy atmosphere to maximize profit.
Cosmetics stores, mechanic workshops, among others were visibly experiencing a beehive of activities as businesses transactions were at their peak, according to residents.
Investigations also revealed that there was no presence of heavily armed security operatives in the community as was the situation immediately after the killing last year.
Some residents of the community who spoke to The Tide said normalcy has finally returned to the community but regretted that some people who left the community were yet to return as a result of fear of arrest and harassment by police and the JTF.
Mr Best Frank, a fast food operator in the area said the community now enjoys relative peace devoid of any form of intimidation, adding that both indigenes and strangers now live in harmony in the community.
He commended the state government and the various security agencies for ensuring that peace returned in the area, which according to him was marred by students unrest and disturbances following the incident.
Also speaking, Mr Uche Nwobisike, an auto mechanic in the community while corroborating the views of Mr Frank said the only challenge facing residents was the slow pace of businesss in the area.
In their views, some students of the university who reside in the community including Ahukama Joy, Kadara Fred and Chioma Menajo, said that relative peace and tranquility has returned in the area.
They, however, regretted the ugly October 5, 2012 incident that occurred in the community and urged security agencies to ensure that the perpetrators of the inhuman act are brought to book.
In his remarks, Mr Emmanuel Dick, a resident of the community, confirmed that although some level of peace has returned in the area, some of the residents who deserted the community in the aftermath of the incident were still skeptical to return.
According to him, the people of the community were noted for their peaceful and hospitable nature, especially to strangers, adding that what happened last year was strange to the people.
He commended the state government for the award of the contract for the reconstruction of the road linking the community to the university, adding that both strangers and the indigenes now live as one big family.
Responding to the situation of things in Omuokiri, the deputy registrar, Public Relations Officer (PRO), University of Port Harcourt, Dr Williams Wodi said the university has not received any complaints from either the students or staff residing in the community, adding that the management of the institution met with the community on the need to sustain peace shortly after the incident.
The UNIPORT spokesman said that Aluu community has been the second home for both students and staff of the institution, adding that the incident was not a call to arm between the university and the community
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.
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