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Rivers

Wike’s Road Projects Excite Stakeholders

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10 years ago

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Stakeholders across the
divide have expressed excitement over the numerous world-class road infrastructure development projects embarked upon by the Rivers State Government in the 23 local government areas of the state within the last one year.
Speaking in an interview with The Tide shortly after flagging-off construction work on the dualisation of the Saakpenwa-Bori Road, President, Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP), Legborsi Pyiagbara, said that the commencement of the construction work on the road would not only assuage the feeling of marginalization of Ogoni people, but will reassure them that the Wike administration will not abandon any of the promises made to the people during the electioneering campaign period.
The MOSOP president said that the road project would no doubt create thousands of direct and indirect new job opportunities for Ogoni people, and charged them to take advantage of the construction work to better their livelihoods by actively supporting the two tiers of government to deliver genuine dividends of democracy to the people.
Also speaking, Chairman of Ogoni Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers, and former Chairman of the State Traditional Rulers Council, Gbenemene Tai, HRM Godwin Giniwa, described the project as a welcome development as it will alleviate the suffering of the people, and challenged the contractor handling the project to ensure completion of the road in record time, and within design specifications.
Similarly, Caretaker Chairman of Tai Local Government Area, Hon. Belekalo Sua lauded the vision of the Wike administration for initiating the project, noting that, “It will improve the economy of the area from Ogoni to Andoni and Opobo/Nkoro people.”
In his remarks, the state Commissioner for Works, Bathuel Iheanyichukwu Harrison, explained that the Saakpenwa-Bori-Kono road stretches 16.077kilometres in length and 7.3metres width on both sides, with median of 2.0metres, and would become the first-ever dual carriage way connecting three Ogoni local government areas of Tai, Gokana and Khana to other local government areas of the state.
The commissioner said that the project would boost business and social activities in that critical part of the state, and assured that the Wike-led government would leave no stone unturned to complete the road with the agreed timeframe, and tasked the contractor, China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC) to comply strictly with all terms of the contract, and deliver the project to serve the people for which it is meant for.
Earlier, the works commissioner had given details of some other road projects undertaken by the Wike administration, especially in Port Harcourt City and Obio/Akpor local government areas, and added that the premium placed on construction of roads was to fast-track the development process in the state.
Iheanyichukwu listed road projects to include the 14-kilometre Rumuokurusi-Eneka-Igwuruta Dual Carriage Road connecting Port Harcourt-Aba Expressway. and East-West Road in Obio/Akpor to Airport Road through Igwuruta, in Ikwerre Local Government Area.
The works commissioner further listed other roads to include the 6–kilometre Rumueprikom-Rumuolumeni Road, the 3.5-kilometre Elioparanwo Road, the 12-kilometre Tam David West Boulevard, and Mogho/Bodo Road.
The rest are the Eliozu-Rumunduru-Elimgbu (Oro-Igwe) Road, Rukpokwu-Eneka Road, the former SARS (Nelson Mandela) Road at Rukpokwu, now renamed Sir Celestine Omehia Road, Rumuagholu  Road, as well as Azikiwe and Bishop Okoye streets.

 

Susan Serekara-Nwikhana

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Rivers

2026 Boy Child Day: Association Seeks Intentional Mentoring 

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6 days ago

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May 18, 2026

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As the world marked the 2026 International Day of the Boy Child last Saturday, the Rivers Secondary Schools Old Boys and Girls 1983 Set Association has called for deliberate investment in raising boys who will become responsible heads of homes.
In a press release signed and issued by the Secretary-General of the Association, Dr. Ibinabo Ogolo, to commemorate the day, the Association said the future stability of Nigerian families depends on how intentionally boys are raised and guided.
Speaking on behalf of the Set, President of the Association, Barrister Tubokomba Mcdonald Harry, she said the theme of this year’s global celebration, “Boys to Men: Adopting Good Habits and Attitudes”, must move beyond slogans to daily practice in homes, schools, and communities.
“For years, advocacy has rightly centered on the girl child. That work must continue. But we cannot ignore the other side”, Barrister Harry stated.
“A boy who grows up without guidance, emotional literacy, and responsibility often becomes a man who struggles to lead, provide, and protect. If we want stable homes in 2040, we must invest in boys now”, he said.
He emphasized that being “head of the home”  is about stewardship, not power: “The man who leads a home well is emotionally responsible, financially disciplined, morally upright, and a true partner to his spouse. These qualities are learned from childhood, through what boys see, hear, and practice.”
The Association noted that many boys currently learn manhood by default from peers, social media, and entertainment that equate masculinity with aggression and silence about pain.
To change this, the 1983 Set urged fathers and mentors to be present and active, schools to integrate life skills such as conflict resolution and financial literacy, and communities and faith groups to establish mentorship programmes where older men guide younger ones.
The press release also linked the issue to Africa’s wider goals, noting that the 2026 Day of the African Child focuses on water, sanitation, and hygiene.
“A boy trained to solve real problems becomes a man who ensures dignity for his family and community”, Harry said.
The Association concluded with a call to mothers, fathers, and boys themselves to take ownership of the task of raising responsible future leaders.
International Day of the Boy Child is observed globally on May 16. It is a day that focuses on the well-being, mental health and positive development of boys.
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Ogoni Landlords Seek Inclusion In Planned Oil Resumption Process 

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6 days ago

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May 18, 2026

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Flemotongha Miebi/Fortune Wokeh/Akpos David/Esuuk Oyet/Edughom Suotor
Landlords in Ogoni, under the aegis of Gokana,Tai, Eleme, and Khana United Landlords Association  (GOTEKA) have called for inclusion in the ongoing negotiation over the planned resumption of oil production in Ogoniland.
The landlords,who made the call during its formal inauguration recently in Port Harcourt, also called for proper compensation, clear legal agreements, and inclusive dialogues in the entire process
Chairman of the Association, Professor George Ema, said any resumption of oil exploration in ogoniland without proper consultation with host communities and land owners will be resisted.
George said, while the association expressed support for the planned return of oil activities in ogoniland under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,  key historical issues must be addressed to avoid a repeat of earlier conflicts that led to the suspension of oil operations in the area.
According to GOTEKA, past disagreements between oil companies, political leaders, and host communities caused crises, court cases, and long-term disruption of oil production in Ogoni land, adding that these problems were responsible for the high level of poverty warranted by economic stagnation, social unrest, pipeline vandalism, and many legal battles in the area.
The landlords also referenced the struggles led by late environmental activist, Ken Saro-Wiwa, and the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP), which opposed Shell’s activities in Ogoni land, resulting in years of unrest and court cases.
They stressed that the renewed plan for oil exploration must be guided by proper Memoranda of Understanding (MOU), fair compensation, and the direct involvement of landlords in negotiations to prevent cheating and conflict.
The group also raised concern over what they described as a repeated “divide and rule” approach in handling oil compensation in Ogoni. They said there is a lack of proper MOUs between oil companies and landlords, while compensation often goes to political leaders and traditional rulers instead of the real landowners.
GOTEKA added that land in Ogoni is owned by individuals and families, not the entire community.
According to the group, “under traditional land rules, owners have full rights over their land and can decide how it is used, including selling or leasing it. So, there must be proper agreement spelt out in the MOU, which must be signed by all the parties involved to avoid legal battles.
The group urged government, oil companies, and political leaders to respect traditional land ownership and adopt honest dialogue and peaceful negotiation in resolving issues.
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Police Warn Rivers Students Against Cultism, Drug Abuse

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6 days ago

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May 18, 2026

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The Divisional Crime Officer (DCO) of Rumuodomaya Police Station, CSP Dindara Dadamu, has warned students in Rivers State against involvement in cultism and other criminal activities, stressing that such acts could lead to imprisonment and destruction of their future.
He gave the warning recently during an anti-cultism and drug abuse sensitisation programme organised by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) at Den-Bec Group of Schools in Port Harcourt.
Dadamu stated that the law does not exempt minors from punishment, noting that children from the age of 12 could still be prosecuted for criminal offences.
According to him, many young people are lured into cultism through peer pressure and bad company. He urged the students to be mindful of the friends they associate with.
The DCO stressed that ignorance of the law would not protect anyone from facing the consequences of unlawful conduct.
Also speaking, a representative of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mr. Ejiofor Ifeanyi, described cultism and drug abuse as destructive habits capable of ruining academic ambitions and promising careers.
He advised the students to avoid negative influences and remain focused on their education and personal development.
A mental health expert, Mr. Victor Akeni, noted that cultism and illicit drug use contribute significantly to emotional instability, fear and poor academic performance among youths.
He explained that cult members often live under constant fear of attacks and reprisals, making it difficult for them to concentrate on their studies or live peacefully.
The sensitisation programme brought together security agencies, mental health professionals, teachers and students as part of efforts to discourage social vices among young people.
The Managing Director of NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, who spoke through a representative, Mrs. Anna West, encouraged the students to take advantage of opportunities provided through education and technology rather than engaging in unlawful activities.
Ogbuku also warned that cultism and drug abuse could result in imprisonment, violence and untimely death, and urged the students to embrace discipline, hard work and positive values.
By: King Onunwor

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