News
28 Illegal Trading Posts For Demolition
The Rivers State Government says that it has identified 28 illegal trading posts in Port Harcourt City, and has since swung into action to demolish them as part of efforts to restore the Garden City status of the state capital, and promote clean environment for residents.
The state Commissioner for Urban Development and Physical Planning, Chinyere Igwe, who disclosed this in an exclusive interview with The Tide in Port Harcourt, pointed out that these illegal trading posts, including illegal motor parks, will not be allowed to function, stressing that the ministry was determined to remove them.
He said that as part of efforts to clear the streets of illegal traders and motor parks, including make-shift settlements and shanties in the state capital, the ministry’s task force on urban renewal was enforcing the ban on street trading in collaboration with the authorities of the Port Harcourt City and Obio/Akpor local government councils.
Igwe also said that the ministry has in its custody, a number of fake building plans, and advised those wishing to put up buildings and construction of any kind to approach the ministry for approval and permit.
The commissioner further disclosed plans by the government to enforce the law against street trading and hawking in Port Harcourt and its environs, and warned those involved to desist in their interest.
He warned against the proliferation of illegal motor parks, particularly at the Waterlines Junction, explaining that the government would soon swing in to crush the illegal structures, trading posts, and motor parks in the city, to restore confidence in the people, and revive the aesthetic character and value of the city of Port Harcourt.
Igwe listed some of the endemic areas to include, Mile 3, Mile 1 and Creek Road markets, Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST), Nkpolu, Back Gate-Eagle Island-Agip Bypass, Bende, Bishop Okoye, Sangana, Ojoto, and Illoabuchi streets, Education Bus Stop, Garrison, Rumuokwuta, Rumuola and Waterlines junctions, among others.
Also speaking, the Mayor of Port Harcourt City, Mr. Samuel Sunny Ejekwu said that the demolition exercise was in line with the vision of Governor Nyesom Wike to address the poor sanitary condition of Port Harcourt and its environs, and make the city the cleanest in the country.
Ejekwu said in an exclusive interview with The Tide in his office, that the proliferation of make-shift shops, illegal markets and motor parks was a dangerous trend that must be eliminated, if the city must regain its lost glory as the Garden City of Nigeria, stressing that it was in that light that his administration has also embarked on operation keep Port Harcourt clean.
He emphasized that the petty traders and illegal market operators had since been given notice to evacuate from their illegal trading locations on the roads and streets of Port Harcourt, but have refused to relocate, thereby constituting safety and security risks to other residents of the city.
The mayor said that most of the traders conduct their businesses on illegality, trading and selling on the streets, pedestrian ways of rights, and blocking access to vehicular traffic, adding that they were constituting nuisance on the roads by not only endangering their lives, but also causing traffic gridlocks in Port Harcourt City.
According to him: “There has never been an end to relocating this category of traders; I do know that what gave rise to the smaller markets around Port Harcourt is because some elements in the previous governments compromised on the city master plan and allowed the emergence of mini-markets such as Ojoto, Illoabuchi, Okija, Ikoku, among others, in order to accommodate some traders, but even so, certain traders still prefer to sell on the road side”.
The Port Harcourt mayor, said that “as long as the ban on street trading in Port Harcourt City remains in force, the government will continue to do its best to clear the streets of illegal trading spots and structures, and bring sanity to the streets and roads in the city.”
Some of the traders, who spoke with The Tide at Agip-RSUST Back Gate-Eagle Island, Sangana, Bishop Okoye, Garrison, Education Bus Stop, Bende, Mile 1 and 3, as well as Creek Road markets, admitted that government has since given them notice to vacate their illegal trading shops/spots, but added that they did not realize that the authorities were serious this time around.
One of the illegal traders, Mrs Flourish Emmanuel Ekeke, since their only source of livelihood has been demolished, the government should be compassionate enough to assist them by building more markets at strategic locations, where they could display their wares without any harassment in the future.
She added that the ultra-modern shops at Mile 1, Mile 3, and Port Harcourt Township, were very expensive as some of the petty traders start their businesses with as low as N1,000, to buy oranges and pure water, which they sell to feed their families.
A meat seller by the road side along one of the streets listed above, Chinyere Iheanacho, said “government should provide us a place to stay and sell because those selling on the streets are more than those shops inside the major markets”, noting that “chasing the petty traders away would not work without providing them an alternative and affordable place”.
Susan Serekara-Nwikhana
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Christian Leaders Forum has expressed strong confidence in the capacity of All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) candidates in the state to deliver effective governance if elected into office in the coming elections.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.
By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi
Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Elder Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, was celebrated in grand style as he marked his 70th birthday anniversary, with distinguished Nigerians, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts gathering to honour his remarkable contributions to society.
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo, have been honoured with awards of recognition in connection with the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations held in Port Harcourt.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.
By: Jessica Sambol
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