Connect with us

Niger Delta

Flood Ravages Rivers Communities

Published

on

Rain flood has wrecked havoc in Egi land and its neighbouring Ahoada communities, following five days of heavy down pour which led to destruction of household property, livestocks, economic crops and buildings.
This has conpounded the devastating effects of cultists’ activities in the entire clans, as majority people who had left home on self-exile for safety of their lives would have more sad stories to tell
No zone is left out in the disaster, starting from Umu-Obor  communities of Oboburu, Ohali-Elu, Obigbo, and Obagi to Akabuka, Ogbogu, Obite and Ede in Etiti-Egi. The story is not different from Erema, Itu, Ibewa Obukegi in Ahiawhor zone with the cry of agony also coming from Obiyebe, Egita, Akabta and Obiosimini in Uso-Ozimini zone.
The Tide while going round the communities, witnessed serious cracks on the walls of mud houses, especially in Itu, Erema, Akabuka and Ogbogu, while those living in block houses were seen bailing water from their parlours and rooms.
A community leader and National Auditor two of Apex Egi socio-cultural organization, the Egi People’s Assembly (EPA), Chief Nathaniel Oriji, said the effect of the rain flood could be compared to that of natural flood of 2012.
“All we laboured to plant in our farms have all been destroyed. Our farms are like river, in few days time the food crops would all wither leading to another hungry season, which we have just survived”, and attributed the uncommon rain flood this year to blockage of natural water channels by oil companies.
The chairman of Itu-Ogba Community Development Committee,  Comrade Benard Obo, attributed the flooding of his community to a road constructed by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), which has no single drainage.
According to him, during the construction, the community had appealed to the contractors to include drainages but they told us we should approach NDDC because that was not included in their job specifications, but all our letters to the commission fell on deaf ears.
He,therefore, appealed to the new project director of NDDC to come to the aid of the community by constructing drains in the community’s section of the road.
The situation in Ahoada town, the headquarters of Ahoada East Local Government is as bad as that of Egi as most residents along Omoku road,Abuja Housing Estate, Odiemerenyi  and Ekpena roads have all evacuated while at Ula- Ehuda, the torrent from the community through the market was on high frequency.
Schools, hotels and churches were also not spared as people are now appealing to NEMA and the  state government to come to their rescue.
However, an environmental officer, and a town planner attached to Ahoada East Local Government council who pleaded anonymity said; “we are not authorized to speak to the press but the cause of the flooding is part of the climate change, we have been preaching”, the Town planner said “most developers ignored our advice against building along water routes, today they are reaping the reward of disobedience, especial those living in the Ahoada new sites.”

Continue Reading

Niger Delta

Oborevwori Launches Medical Outreach For Children With Special Needs

Published

on

The Wife of Delta State Governor, Mrs. Tobore Oborevwori, has launched a free medical outreach for children with special needs in Delta South.
The event, which attracted scores of caregivers, medical professionals, and government functionaries, took place at Dom Domingos College, Warri.
It was organised by the governor’s wife’s pet project, “You Matter Charity Foundation”, in partnership with the State Ministry of Health.
In a speech at the event, Oborevwori said the initiative sought to promote public awareness about autism and other notable infants’ developmental conditions.
She said the programme also aimed ”to eliminate stigma and encourage inclusion of persons living with disabilities.”
According to her, the outreach is structured to cover the state’s three senatorial districts.
She noted that the programme took place earlier in Ughelli, Delta Central, where beneficiaries received medications and assistive devices, including educational materials to support learning among children with special needs.
Oborevwori, who thanked residents and local government chairmen in Delta South for their cooperation, also commended the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, and medical teams for their dedication to the success of the programme.
She admonished parents and caregivers to continue to show patience, compassion, and understanding towards children with special needs.
The Tide’s source reports that health workers from the ministry and Primary Healthcare Development Agency participated in the programme.
In her remark, the Director-General of the foundation, Mrs. Lawrentta Ogbedo, said the outreach would reduce financial pressure on families that have children with special needs.
She underscored the importance of early diagnosis and consistent medical attention for such children.
The Chairman of Warri South LGA, Mr. Isaac Agbateyiniro, thanked the governor’s wife for the initiative, and described her kind intervention as ”timely and beneficial to struggling families”.
Also, the Chairman, Post Primary Education Board, Mr. Samuel Mariere, applauded the foundation’s effort in extending support to children with special needs in society.
Mariere said the programme had provided hope and practical support to many households.
The source reports that the event featured free medical consultations and treatment for children.
Also, health experts delivered talks on autism awareness, care strategies, and social acceptance.
Participants were also enlightened on the legal protections against discrimination for persons with disabilities.
Other highlights included the distribution of wheelchairs, medications, and assistive materials, among other items, to the beneficiaries.
Continue Reading

Niger Delta

UniCal Commits To Nursing Education Dev In C’River 

Published

on

The Vice Chancellor, University of Calabar (UniCal), Prof. Offiong  Offiong,  has reiterated the institution’s commitment towards supporting the growth of nursing education in the state.
Offiong, who made the statement recently in Calabar when members of the Basic Nursing and Midwifery Sciences Certificate Affiliation Committee visited him in his office, said as a federal university located in Cross River State, the institution would remain committed to the development of the state and the wellbeing of its residents.
The Vice Chancellor said UniCal would strategically collaborate with the state government to ensure improved healthcare education, professional training and standards.
“I commend the state government for expanding nursing institutions, this development has stimulated youth interest in health-related careers.
“We shall revisit the affiliation process to ensure compliance with national and international academic standards,” he said.
Offiong continued that curriculum review, adequate academic staffing and strict quality assurance measures would be given priority attention in the process.
He urged the state government to provide logistics support to students undertaking clinical postings in health facilities.
Leader of the delegation, Dr. Henry Ayuk, congratulated Offiong on his appointment as the Vice Chancellor of the university.
Ayuk, who’s also the Commissioner for Health in the State, commended the university for its contributions to the growth of the health sector.
He said the Bassey Otu-led government was committed to deepening collaboration with the university in order to strengthen nursing education and healthcare delivery.
The team leader expressed optimism that the partnership would boost professional training, institutional development and healthcare outcomes in the state.
Continue Reading

Niger Delta

Agency Demolishes Illegal Roadside Structures In Delta N8 by … Clears Street Traders

Published

on

The Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency has commenced the removal of illegal roadside structures and street traders across Asaba.
The enforcement drive targeted areas where traders and makeshift stalls have taken over roads, walkways and drainage channels.
Speaking during the exercise, the Director-General of the agency, Mr. Patrick Ukah, said the action was necessary due to the growing safety concerns caused by unchecked roadside trading.
Ukah said the action formed part of a broader urban renewal programme aimed at improving sanitation, reducing traffic congestion and enhancing road safety.
He noted that the activities had disrupted traffic flow and exposed motorists and pedestrians to avoidable dangers.
According to him, the agency’s action is not directed at individuals but aimed at restoring order and enforcing existing regulations.
Ukah warned that the agency would not tolerate activities that deface the capital or threaten public safety.
He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to maintaining a clean, safe and orderly capital, saying a well-managed Asaba remains vital to the image of the state and its development.
Urging affected traders to relocate to approved government markets across the city, Ukah said the operation would continue and might be extended to other locations if violations persist.
Major locations affected include Akpu Junction, Marble Hill Junction, and the Arcade near Ogbeogonogo Market.
The Tide’s source reports that in addition to dismantling illegal structures, the agency intensified sanitation efforts along major roads.
Special attention was given to the Mammy Market and Traffic Light axis of Asaba to sustain cleanliness.
The agency’s Head of Environment, Mr. Isaac Nwosu, said the teams would ensure compliance and prevent a return of illegal roadside activities.
Nwosu called on residents and traders to support the agency by adhering to environmental regulations.
Continue Reading

Trending