News
Bill Board, Mast Collapse: RSG Begins Integrity Tests …As Rainstorm Leaves One Dead, Two Injured
The Rivers State Signage and Advert Regulatory Agency, has begun integrity test to reduce hazards posed by faulty and poorly erected bill boards in the state.
Managing Director of the agency, Chukudi Dimpka made the revelation during a chat with newsmen over the destruction of many bill boards and communication masts by storm around the city on Monday in Port Harcourt during which a 16-year old girl, Miss Peace Weche was killed while two others sustained serious injuries..
Mr. Dimpka who inspected some of the bill boards that were destroyed by storm blamed poor maintenance on the part of advert practitioners, noting that most of the poles were outdated and rusty.
He regretted the level of damage done on some houses and stalls along the Mile 3 axis, as two advert bill boards fell on a building and another on a building material plaza destroying properties worth millions of naira.
After the inspection he revealed that the agency will commence evacuation of the affected poles to avert further damage and threat to public safety.
As a way of checking the occurrence of such disasters in the future, he noted that a new measure will be put in place, “part of the new criteria is such that for the agency to approve new bill boards you have to conduct a soil test, have an environmental Impact assessment report and insurance policy.”
He explained that many of the advert approvals have been revoked in order to get compliance.
On what the public should do to prevent accidents, he advised people to be alert and look around for flying object while traders should stop setting up business under bill boards.
Community Development Committee Chairman, Nkpolu Community in Mile 3, Pastor Isokwo Igwe has decried the loss of a 16 year old Miss Wechie who was killed by a telecom mast in Nkpolu Community Secondary School compound on Monday during a heavy storm.
The mast erected in the premises of the University of Port Harcourt School of Continuing Education fell and hit the girl who was selling food items for the mum in the school premises.
The Tide learnt that a football coach who was taking shelter from the rain under a makeshift building was also hit. He was said to have sustained injuries but did not die as he was rushed to a hospital.
Pastor Igwe who blamed poor maintenance of the mast as responsible for the accident said the community would summon a meeting of owners of such structures in the area.
Already, he stated that the matter has been reported to the police and the body of the girl deposited in the mortuary, as he commiserated with the family over the loss of their daughter.
Meanwhile, It was a tragic Monday afternoon for inhabitants of Oroworukwo Community in Port Harcourt City Local Government Area of Rivers State following the instant death of Miss Peace Wechie.
Speaking to The Tide, the mother of the late 16-year old girl, Wechie Eucharia Charles, said the incident occurred at 4pm inside the Oroworukwo Community Secondary School, Nkpolu, during the Monday rain where her shop was, adding that the rainstorm pulled the ICT Mast belonging to UNIPORT CCE, which fell atop her makeshift shop where her late daughter and others were taking shade during the rain.
“Today, I was with my children in my shop here at about 4pm with others who came to take shade as a result of the rain. What I heard was noise. The mast fell on my daughter. I saw my daughter, coach, and one other small boy rushed to hospital in Mile 1, but on getting to the place, the doctor confirmed her dead,” she stated.
Also speaking, a community leader in the area, Apostle Princewill Nnokam described the incident as a sad one for the community, adding that such calamity has not been witnessed since the history of the community.
Nnokam blamed the woes of the community not only on the natural disaster, but also on the non-professional work done by the engineer that handled the construction of the destroyed mast.
He called on the relevant authorities, especially the University of Port Harcourt, to come to the support of the family, adding that the deceased parent has lost all she had, her business and daughter to the incident.
Nnokam, however, said that the matter has been reported to the UST Police Division, even as he called for sanction on the structural engineer that handled the work for unprofessional work done.
The small boy, David Ihiemekwalam, and his football coach, an elderly man, who were also hit by the mast, and sustained serious injuries, were said to be responding to treatment at a hospital in Port Harcourt.
The father of the boy, Mr Joseph Ihiemekwalam, who hails from Abia State, said “according to my son’s account of the accident, he (David Ihiemekwalam) and his football coach, an elderly man, were sitting on a bench right behind the late Miss Peace Weche”.
According to him, they narrowly escaped death because it was the middle of the Mast that hit them while the fence between UPHCCE and Community Secondary School, Nkpolu took much of the weight, adding that what killed Miss Peace Weche was the sharp edge of the Mast which hit directly on her head.
The UPHCCE director, who declined to disclose his identity, said due to the heavy storm, many masts such as MTN Mast and Diamond Bank Mast around the area were badly affected, regretting that it was very sad and unfortunate that the college’s Telecommunication Mast fell across the fence and killed the 16-year old.
The director hinted further that the Community Development Chairman (CDC), Isokwo Igwe and the Board members of the University of Port Harcourt, College of Continuing Education, have already scheduled to visit the family to condole with them on the death of the girl.
In an interview with newsmen, the Acting Chairman, Rivers State Signage and Advertisement Agency, Mr Chukwudi Dimkpa, said that poor maintenance culture by advertising companies and lack of proper monitoring and supervision during the mounting of heavy masts were responsible for such accidents capable of claiming lives and destruction of buildings.
Dimkpa added that soon his agency would commence total checks on all the billboards mounted in the city of Port Harcourt and its environs, with a view to correcting any anomalies.
Our correspondent, who visited the scene of the incident, reports that many buildings were destroyed, properties estimated at N200million were lost by traders along the area due to the thunderstorm.
When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Nnamdi Omoni said he was yet to be briefed on the matter.
Akujobi Amadi & Susan Serekara-Nwikhana
The Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS), Rivers State Branch, has expanded its humanitarian footprint in Rivers State with the formal inauguration of student volunteers at Command Children School (CCS), Bori Camp, Port Harcourt, marking a significant step in promoting humanitarian values among young Nigerians.
The ceremony, which took place at the school premises, officially admitted CCS students into the Nigerian Red Cross Society.
The Rivers State Branch Representative of the Red Cross Society, Mr Noah Idegbesor, disclosed this in his opening remarks at the occasion.
In a symbolic display, the students marched to the flag stand alongside members of the high table and the Branch Representative, where the Red Cross flag was hoisted, signifying the school’s full induction into the Nigerian Red Cross Society.
With the flag raised, CCS was formally declared a member institution of the NRCS.
As part of the inauguration, a certificate of affiliation was presented to the school by the Nigerian Red Cross Society and received on behalf of the school by the Head Teacher, Mrs Onwuzuruigbo Taiwo.
Speaking as Chairman of the occasion, the Acting Director, Nigerian Army 6 Division Education Services, Port Harcourt, Lt. Col. A. Sadiq, described the event as very unique and significant.
Represented by Staff Sergeant Arisa Eberechi, the Director assured of the support of his team in ensuring success of the endeavour.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Parents Teachers Association (PTA) of the school, Mr Zuru Daniel, said the establishment of the Red Cross unit in the school was a welcome development and assured of the support of the body to ensure its sustainability.
The event also featured a parade by the volunteers, freewill donations from dignitaries and parents in attendance, underscoring community support for the humanitarian initiative.
Speaking earlier, the Head Teacher, Mrs Onwuzuruigbo Taiwo, described the inauguration as an emotional and fulfilling moment.
“It was awesome. We thought it would not be possible, but today it was glorious,” she said.
Taiwo explained that the school’s participation in the Red Cross Society began when management decided to introduce clubs and societies.
“I told my assistant that I wanted the Red Cross to be one of them. The Red Cross signifies many things; it is service to humanity,” she added.
Also, the Assistant Head Teacher, Mrs Bawo Agbana, expressed appreciation to dignitaries, officials of the Nigerian Red Cross Society and parents for their support and presence.
The Assistant Head Teacher (Administration) described the programme as overwhelming and exciting, expressing gratitude to God for its success.
She said the school’s decision to embrace the Red Cross Society was driven by the need to instill values of love, kindness and service in children from an early age.
“Our impression of the Red Cross is being good to people, showing love and kindness. As the children grow, we want to build the spirit of humanity in them so they can show love and care in school, their communities and Nigeria at large,” she said, adding that early training was crucial given current challenges in the country.
She also delivered the closing remark, after which a photo session was held with the newly inaugurated student volunteers.
Other dignitaries at the occasion include Chairman, Python Officers’ Mess, 6 Division, Port Harcourt, Chief Dan Harrison, and the Sualla 1 of Adagbabiri Kingdom, Chief Col. K. Agbana (Rtd.),
Speaking in an interview at the event, 10-year-old primary five pupil, Precious Ote, said she volunteered to join the Red Cross Society because of her desire to help and care for people.
Similarly, 11-year-old Eno Marvellous of Primary Four expressed excitement at becoming a member of the Red Cross Society, noting that her hope is “to save” lives.
The inauguration highlights ongoing efforts by the Nigerian Red Cross Society to nurture a culture of volunteerism, compassion and humanitarian service among schoolchildren in Port Harcourt and beyond.
The proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has ordered the total cancellation of the Monday sit-at-home across the South-East, with effect from today.
This was disclosed by the IPOB spokesperson, Emma Powerful, in a press statement issued yesterday.
He said that the directive came directly from the leader of the group, Nnamdi Kanu.
Recall that the pro-Biafran group declared the sit-at-home in August 2021 as a way of protesting the rendition of Kanu to Nigeria and his subsequent incarceration. During the exercise, markets, schools, banks and offices remained shut.
Powerful said that with the current directive, there is no need, excuse or justification for anyone to stay at home on Mondays, adding that markets, schools, offices, transport services and economic activities must resume fully and normally from Monday.
The statement read in part, “The IPOB, under the supreme leadership of Nnamdi Kanu, hereby announces to the entire world that the Monday sit-at-home across the South-East is officially and permanently cancelled with effect from tomorrow, Monday, February 9, 2026.
“This directive comes directly from Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu himself, who has once again staked everything on the line to ensure that our children return to school every Monday and that our people go about their lawful businesses without fear, intimidation or molestation.
“Any person in doubt should visit Sokoto Correctional Centre to confirm with him. We can no longer hide under ‘Onyendu cannot be reached to confirm’ to persist with our recalcitrance or docility. Monday sit-at-home is over. That era is gone!
“There is now no need, excuse or justification for anyone to stay at home on Mondays. All markets, schools, offices, transport services and economic activities must resume fully and normally from tomorrow. This is the clear and unequivocal order of the Supreme Leader of IPOB.”
Kanu, the statement said, “has made it abundantly clear that any individual or group attempting to enforce sit-at-home from this moment forward is acting against his direct command. Such persons are enemies of our people and the Biafran cause. They will be pursued to the ends of the earth and confronted until they are completely defeated.”
The group noted that some people are attempting to create fear, stage attacks or intimidate people into staying indoors under false flags.
“Let it be known that any person or group identified as enforcing or enabling sit-at-home will be confronted wherever they are. Our people must remain vigilant, calm and law-abiding.
“At the same time, IPOB wishes to make it clear that no state governor has the right to threaten, demolish or forcibly shut down the businesses of traders who, out of conscience, choose to sit at home in solidarity with our leader.
“Any attempt by Governor Soludo or any other governor to intimidate our people with demolition threats or forced market closures will be firmly resisted,” the statement added.
According to the group, any renovation, reconstruction or improvement of markets that involves temporary relocation must be carried out only with the consent of all stakeholders, adding that adequate temporary trading sites must be provided before any such projects commence.
“Our enemies have in the past succeeded in instigating crises and planting seeds of discord among our people. We must not allow them to succeed again. We are one people, united by a common destiny. Our struggle is for freedom, dignity and justice for all, not just for Biafrans.
“We therefore call on all our people across the South-East to come out tomorrow, open their shops, go to work and send their children to school without fear.
“The era of Monday sit-at-home is over,” the statement concluded.
No fewer than 11 petroleum filling stations have been sealed in Port Harcourt by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for various regulatory infractions.
The filling stations were shut down during the Authority’s ongoing surveillance initiative tagged ‘Operation One Litre for One Litre,’ in Port Harcourt.
The enforcement followed allegations of under-dispensing, faulty pumps and other practices considered detrimental to consumers.
Regional Coordinator of NMDPRA, South-South, Engr. Victor Owhodiasa, made this known during the monitoring exercise in Port Harcourt, last week.
He said the operation was designed to protect consumers and ensure they receive full value for their money when purchasing petroleum products.
Owhodiasa noted that although fuel prices are now largely market-driven, consumers must not be short-changed at the point of sale.
According to him, the affected stations were found to be dispensing below approved tolerance level or operating with failed pumps and generators.
He explained that claims of faulty equipment during inspection were treated with suspicion, leading to the sealing of such facilities until defects are fully rectified.
Owhodiasa stressed that any outlet dispensing outside the approved bandwidth would remain sealed until full compliance is verified.
He warned that filling stations found to be habitual offenders risk losing their operating licences.
Owhodiasa added that the enforcement team conducted spot checks along major routes in Port Harcourt, including Azikiwe Road, and would continue random inspections across the city.
He called on members of the public to report suspected cases of under-dispensing by filling stations, assuring that the Authority would promptly act on such complaints.
By: King Onunwor
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