Niger Delta
Group Gives Panacea For Niger Delta Stability
A Non-Governmental
Organisation (NGO) under the aegis of search for Common Ground (SFCG) Nigeria has called for a stable integration of the ex-militants, functional channels of peaceful dialogue, conflict resolution as well as stakeholders collaboration and voter-education as a panacea for maintaining long-term stability in the Niger Delta.
The Country Director of the group, Chom Bagu who made the call in a press briefing held in Port Harcourt recently said the two major challenges of security that is currently facing the region include the general election in February 2015 and the expected close of the Amnesty programme, pointing out that these events bear a dangerous potential of fuelling violence in the months to come.
He said the Amnesty programme initiated by the Federal Government in 2009, provided an important opportunity to reduce violence but also came with major flaws of sustainability, non inclusion of some youths and beside, the foreign education and Job training under the programme had not significantly created livelihood opportunities or economic satisfaction for most of the participants.
“It was in this context that search for common Ground, Six partners and the European Union (EU) decided to work together to launch a programme Tomorrow is a New Day to ensure that Tomorrow, indeed becomes a New Day for the Niger Deltans,” he added.
According to him, to many Niger Delta residents, the commitment from the Federal Government and oil companies to developing human capacities, investing in infrastructure and providing basic social services has not met their expectations, especially in a region that produces a great deal of the nation’s wealth, at about 70 per cent of the population live below the poverty level.
The Country Director of SFCG further noted that,” The tomorrow that lies ahead of as brings new challenges for the region, its communities and its overall security,” pointing out that he was proud that the group and the EU would once again work together to address these challenges confronting the Niger Delta region.
He assured that together with the 12 communities of Amassoma, Kaiama, and Ogbia in Bayelsa State, Koko, Oporoza and Oleh in Delta, Okrika, Omoku, Ogu and Kpor in Rivers State, as well as Azumchi and Osusu in Abia, they would work to ensure long-term stability and a functioning peace architecture in the Niger Delta for 2015 and beyond.
“Tomorrow will be a Day which shows community members participate in the promotion of a peaceful and Credible 2015 electoral process, raising fellow citizens’ awareness of their rights and obligations.
According to him, to achieve these concepts and others, the group and its partners would rely on the proven concept of multiple-track community engagement as well as capacity building session in the communities by working with the Local Project Committees, using the community bodies to promote network-building and exchange between the trend-setting communities.
Collins Barasimeye
Niger Delta
RSNC Head Charges NAOMEW On Professionalism, Effective Service Delivery

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.