Rivers
Monarch Advises Subjects On Self-Exile To Return
The Amanyanabo of Kirike in Rivers State, HRM Tamuno-Omisiki Ogube, has called on his subjects in self-exile due to insecurity to return home.
Ogube made the call during an interview with newsmen in Port Harcourt recently.
The monarch said that he had already met with some of his subjects in self-exile on the issue.
It would be recalled that there was a 17-year leadership tussle in the kingdom which led to insecurity in communities within the kingdom.
According to the monarch, some Kirike youths, who came to pledge their loyalty and solidarity, told him that they had been subjected to slavery.
“Some of them have been on exile for 10 years, some eight, while some are yet to return.
“So, it is an enormous problem in my community.
“ As the Amayanabo, I will ensure that I maintain peace and peaceful co-existence in my community.”
He said that the youths were not asking for too much, but to be engaged in meaningful self-sustaining projects, pointing out that some of the youths requested to be mechanics, while some asked for other employment opportunities.
“Some of them want to be drivers of engine boats, some want to have some money to buy nets for fishing and some want to be riding motorcycles to generate revenue for the upkeep of their families,’’ he said.
The traditional ruler said that some youths also called for the establishment of a craft centre for skill acquisition, especially on computer, noting that due to lack of skills in computer, taking examinations like the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) had been difficult for many youths in the community.
“These are the things we can do. These are the issues I want to tackle.
“I have told them to maintain the peace so that we can do whatever we can, including liaising with the state government to provide some amenities for us.
“I know that by the time I see the governor, he will help us. You know we have problems before because of lack of leadership.
“Due to lack of leadership, there was nobody to talk to and so we must show that leadership,’’ he said.
Ogube said that part of his mandate, as a new king, was to ensure security of lives and properties in the kingdom and that he had already set in motion strategies to engage the youths to minimise crimes.
He said that he would liaise with some “senior sons and daughters’’ of Kirike Town to assist in the establishment of a craft centre for youth development.
Ogube said that already the elders and chiefs of the community, including the Fiberesima War-Canoe House (a clan in the community), had pledged their solidarity to him and even intimated him with some of their problems.
“So by the grace of God, we must make sure we bring out some strategies to overcome some those challenges within this period that I am going to be King.’’
He also expressed optimism that crime rate would reduce by the time the centre was established.
Ogube said that he would speak with companies to assist in employing some of the youths as well as set up a foundation to assist members of the community with their financial challenges.
He said that he had established a foundation when he was the Chief and Head of Ogube War-Canoe House.
The monarch said that Ogube Foundation was helping many of the indigenes to get interest-free loans to pay their children school fees, start petty trading and many others and which to some extent reduced poverty in the War-Canoe House.
He said that the replication of the gains from his foundation in the community where interest-free loans would be drawn would assist the community greatly.
“If there is poverty in the land, you will expect cultism, so I will try to ensure that we eradicate cultism in my kingdom,’’ he said.
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.
Rivers
Rivers NYCN Wants Sokubo For Second Term
National Youth Council of Nigeria, Rivers State Chapter, under the dynamic leadership of Amb. Ambrose Sopuruchukwu Okpor, has called on the result-oriented National President, Amb. Sokubo Saraigbe Sokubo, to re-contest.
This call stems from the overwhelming confidence reposed in him by Nigerian youths, based on his outstanding track record, charismatic leadership, and unwavering commitment to youth development.
This was contained in a statement made available to news men, yesterday.
Amb. Akpor explained that under the leadership of Amb. Sokubo the NYCN has experienced unprecedented progress in youth empowerment, advocacy, and national unity.
“I want to say that Amb. Sokubo’s ability to maintain harmony, sustainable peace, and foster an inclusive atmosphere within the youth leadership structure is a testament to his visionary and tactical approach to leadership.
“The Rivers State Chapter, with other progressive and stakeholders, believes he is best positioned to continue piloting the affairs of the Council towards greater heights”,he said.
The youth council chairman in the State further appeal to Sokubo to answer this noble call to serve once again, for the sake of continuity, growth, and the collective aspirations of Nigerian youths across the country.