Rivers

6,000 Graduate From OPM Free Graduate Scheme

Published

10 years ago

January 8, 2016

OPM General Overseer, Apostle Chibuzor Chinyere (right), commissioning the second phase of the renovation of 12-classroom block computer centre with internet facilities and corpers house in Ukwuorie Comprehensive Secondary School, Ohanku, recently.

No fewer than 6,000 per
sons have benefitted from Omega Power Ministry’s (OPM) Free School Graduates Scheme in Oil and Gas since its four years of existence.
The General Overseer of OPM, Apostle Chibuzor Chinyere, disclosed this recently at the commissioning of the second phase of the renovation of 12-Classroom Block, Computer Centre with Internet facilities and Corpers’ House in Ikwuorie Comprehensive Secondary School.
He said many of the beneficiaries who were trained at a pilot centre located at Circular Road, Elekahia in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, had since set up their own oil and gas businesses while several others had also secured employment with reputable firms.
The man of God noted that beneficiaries cut across religious denominations with good number of them Muslims.
Apostle Chinyere further revealed that the scheme which was being bank rolled by the OPM Foundation, also included free training in Computer, driving school, boutique, restaurant as well as a free nursery, Primary and Secondary school in both Rivers and Abia States.
He hinged the secret of OPM’s success on the stoic Obedience to God’s commandment and urged leaders of other Churches to follow suit, stressing that, that was the reason why God established the Church on earth.
The cleric criticized Churches that established academic and other training institutions and made them unaffordable for the poor, describing the practice as tragic contradiction of the tenets of Christianity.
“The underlining truth is that each time we do these, God blesses our members immensely. As God blesses them, they in turn give offerings and pay their tithes. It becomes possible to execute these free training schemes while also reaching out to the poor and need in our Churches and the larger society”, he said.
The general overseer said the Church embarked on the project with the conviction that education remains the bedrock of the development.
He urged the students to make good use of the structures and facilities in the school and urged the people to protect the project and guide against vandalism.
Earlier, the Principal of Ikwuorie Comprehensive Secondary School, Dr. Sophie Chikwere Nnadozie, praised the OPM leader for the laudable project, stressing that by his effort, he had turned the structure which was once abandoned and dilapidated into a model one.
She said, “any investment in education is a rightly placed priority which will affect generations yet unborn. Posterity will uphold the indelible foot print of this our magnanimous son”.
Also speaking, the Iyieruba 1 of Ndoki land, His Royal Highness, Eze Nwankwo and his counterpart from Ujuru Autonomous Community, Eze Joshua Okwuonu Dagbor described Apostle Chinyere as a worthy son sent by God to bless Ndoki land.
The high point of the event was the presentation of New year gifts to the staff and pupils of OPM free nursery and primary schools, widows, chiefs, Ezes and staff of Ikwuorie Comprehensive Secondary School.

Chris Oluoh

Rivers

Motor Spare Parts, Industrial Generators Dealers’ Union Swears Gets New Chairman in Port Harcourt

Published

1 day ago

July 18, 2025

The Tide

The Owhonda Dickson Motor Spare Parts and Industrial Generators Dealers’ Union operating in Ikoku Port Harcourt, Rivers state has sworn in Mr. Cyril Igbokwe, popularly known as Onyeoma Cy, as its new Chairman.

The brief swearing _in ceremony was held at the union office in Port Harcourt, last Wednesday

In his acceptance speech, Mr. Igbokwe expressed gratitude for the trust and confidence his members had shown in him, despite his perceived educational background compared to others. , “I feel very happy to be the chairman of this great union in this great market. I’m proud of my executives for demonstrating commitment and cooperation.” Notably, the executives raised over ?1 million for the inauguration ceremony within an hour.

The new Chairman promised to tackle key challenges facing the union, including security and indiscipline. He vowed to follow in the footsteps of his predecessor, who he praised for excellent performance, and aimed to possibly do better.

Mr. Igbokwe emphasized maintaining a robust relationship with the host community and conducting his affairs within the ambit of the law.

In his remarks,the Electoral Committee Chairman’, Igwe Amobichukwu Eze Okorie, assured that the elections were conducted in a free, fair, and credible manner. Despite facing challenges such as non-compliance with guidelines and unfounded propaganda campaigns, no formal protest letters had been received.

Also speaking, the Women’s Leader, Lolo Nkechinyere Okolie, expressed faith in the new Chairman, citing his integrity and experience. She highlighted her role in ensuring women’s voices are counted in the union and vouched for the credibility of the election, noting that Mr. Igbokwe was the popular choice among members.

Rivers

CDS Urges Communities To Protect Pipelines

Published

2 days ago

July 18, 2025

The Tide

The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, has urged Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) host communities to protect national assets located within their areas.

Musa made the appeal at a monthly stakeholders’ meeting organised by Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) in Port Harcourt.

Represented by Navy Capt. Lassie Ozovehe, he said the effects of oil bunkering and pipeline vandalism were mostly borne by the host communities themselves.

He noted that the environmental and health risks from pipeline damage affect locals more than the oil companies operating in the region.

“These assets are on your land. You benefit from them, so you must protect them and safeguard yourselves from the hazards”, he said.

He praised PINL for its consistent efforts in securing the assets, particularly its record of zero infractions on the Trans Niger pipelines.

Earlier, Dr. Akpos Mezeh, PINL’s Community Relations Consultant, urged host communities to collaborate in tackling security challenges in the Niger Delta.

Mezeh said PINL had expanded its mandate to include the security of all oil and gas infrastructure in the Eastern Corridor, including gas pipelines.

He explained that the meeting aimed to reduce pipeline vandalism and oil theft, which have major economic consequences for the country.

He stated that PINL had seen near-zero incidents over the past month, crediting host community cooperation for the achievement.

He, however, identified ongoing issues such as poor information sharing, threats to surveillance guards, stakeholder collusion, and leadership disputes.

A keynote speaker, Mr. Otoyo Sunday, discussed the serious health effects of gas flaring in the Niger Delta region.

He urged people to view the environment as living, warning that harmful activities have long-term consequences for people and nature.

Sunday condemned gas flaring caused by well testing, pressure releases, and illegal refining activities.

On his part, Chairman of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Eastern Zone, Mr. Datolu Sokubo, called for a balanced focus on security and human development.

“You can’t protect pipelines without addressing people’s welfare. Without our cooperation, infrastructure is never truly secure”, he said.

He urged the Federal Government to prioritise development, especially in education and healthcare, across the region.

The Traditional Ruler of Ekpeye Land, Eze Kelvin Anugwu, called on oil companies to end gas flaring immediately.

Represented by Dr. Patricia Ogbonnaya, he urged PINL to raise awareness of the health and environmental concerns of the communities.

“We keep advising our youths against bunkering. But oil firms must take responsibility for the long-term effects of their operations”, he stated.

Other traditional leaders at the meeting requested improved welfare for surveillance workers, chiefs, and communities to maintain stability and protect oil infrastructure.

Theresa Frederick & Charity Amiso

Rivers

Monarch Cautions Youths Against Illicit Drug Consumption

Published

2 days ago

July 18, 2025

The Tide

The Eze Igbu Orlukwor II, Eze Ehie II, HRH Eze Prince Ike Ehie, has cautioned youths in his kingdom and Ekpeye at large on the need to abstain from illicit drugs consumption.

Ehie said this recently while fielding questions from newsmen in commemoration of the 2025 World Drug Abuse Day at his liaison office, Ahoada.

He emphasized that drug abuse was dangerous to the body system as it had harmed many physically, mentally and otherwise.

The Monarch noted that people should always take ‘drugs’ based on prescription by qualified medical and health personnel.

He said youths’ alleged disrespect for constituted authorities, mental challenge and various types of illnesses can be linked to the consumption of illicit drugs.

The Royal Father further noted that except government agencies saddled with the requisite responsibilities synergized with traditional institutions and other like-minded organizations, much may not be achieved against the campaign and fight against illicit drug consumption.

According to him, most youths today can do nothing without taking hard drugs, which he said makes them ‘high’ and hyper elated.

The Orlukwor Monarch wondered how the youths would take over the mantle of leadership at both communities and federal levels with such uncultured behaviour and repugnant attitudes.

The World Day of Drug Abuse, was tagged, “Breaking The Chains, Prevention, Treatment And Recovery For All”.

King Onunwor