Nation

Unite To Achieve Dev, FG Tells Ogonis …Denies Issuing New OMLs To Firms

Published

8 years ago

May 7, 2018

In order to attract meaningful sustainable development going forward, the federal government has challenged the people of Ogoni in Rivers State, to fashion out united and dignified front with a common voice to table their problems for solutions.

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr Ibe Kachikwu, who stated this during a roundtable dialogue with enlarged Ogoni stakeholders at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Tower, Abuja, last Thursday, emphasised that it was only when the people form a strong team of impeccable leaders would the government take them seriously, and religiously address emerging problems hindering progress in the area.

Kachikwu explained that the age-long distrust and lack of confidence in government has negatively impacted on development in Ogoniland, reassuring that the federal government was committed to the development of Ogoni communities.

The minister noted that the government was interested in addressing all outstanding issues of concern to Ogoni people, including the holistic clean-up of Ogoniland in line with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Report Recommendations, resumption of oil exploration, inclusive participation in governance and execution of development projects in the area, stressing that the activation of all these would create jobs, unleash small and medium scale businesses to drive economic growth, and fast-track peace and development.

He specifically noted misconceptions that the federal government had issued operating license to RoboMichael to explore for hydrocarbons in Ogoniland, which had ignited perceived tension in the area, but clarified that what the government did was basically to authorise the issuance of preliminary licence to the indigenous oil firm to enable it engage the people and test its capacity to deliver mutually beneficial business interests to all stakeholders in Ogoni.

Kachikwu reminded the delegation of the importance of getting it right this time around by understanding and keying into all activities presently ongoing in Ogoniland, adding that the Ogoni question was no longer a local issue, but an international one that requires strategic partnership of all players, including Ken Saro-Wiwa Associates, traditional rulers, youth and professional groups, KAGOTE and the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP) to achieve consensus on issues and meaningful development.

“I am very committed to finding solutions to these problems. There was no reason to stop oil exploration, provided it was done properly. The ideas have been met, but there is need to move forward. Oil communities must not be neglected in anyway, there are vital components, which the federal government must look into critically in addressing the issues in Ogoniland,” he added.

He reminded the leaders of Ogoni that confrontation would never solve any problems in the area in particular, and the entire Niger Delta in general, saying, “We must find a way to sincere and honest engagement. When you break pipeline, we all suffer it; so, the best option I think is to engage aggressively.

“We are compelled by the constraint of time to do the needful because oil that is not extracted for 25 years could be explosive once it finds a little window of escape,” Kachikwu said, insisting that the government was not interested in any particular oil company resuming exploration activities in Ogoniland and would only give nod to companies that have shown not just capacity to deploy best technology and global best practices but have integrity, trust and confidence of the people.

The minister expressed happiness at the success of the meeting, and promised to hold subsequent meetings in Ogoniland, admitting that the people would feel a sense of belonging when government interacts with the grassroots more regularly and delivers on agreements reached.

Earlier, the National Coordinator, Ken Saro-Wiwa Associates, Chief Gani Topba had submitted a list of demands of Ogoni people to the minister, including regular meetings to resolve issues relating to resumption of oil exploration, SPDC apology to Ogoni people on the murder of late Kenule Saro-Wiwa, federal government’s exoneration of the Ogoni Nine, connection of all Ogoni communities to the national grid, youth employment, among others.

Topba assured that once SPDC was able to apologise for the Ogoni massacre, KSWA would take the initiative to mobilize the people to ensure that SPDC resumes oil exploration in Ogoniland.

Also speaking, MOSOP President, Legborsi Pyagbara accused the federal government of causing the problem in Ogoniland, and challenged the government to implement the letters of the Ogoni Bill of Rights and the Justice Oputa Panel Report as it concerns the Ogoni question.

Pyagbara expressed the hope that a better framework would be put together to drive result-oriented engagements with the people of Ogoni going forward, and noted with regret that it took the minister so much time to do the needful in order to restore peace in Ogoni.

Ogoni delegation to the parley included the leadership of MOSOP, KSWA, KAGOTE, representatives of traditional rulers, youth and professional groups, among others.

In addition to the top echelon of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), the other oil companies at the meeting were the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC), a subsidiary of NNPC; SPDC; and RoboMichael.

Susan Serekara-Nwikhana

Nation

World Health Day: Rivers Govt Urges Regular Medical Check-Ups, Healthy Living

Published

5 days ago

April 10, 2026

The Tide

The Rivers State Government has called on residents to prioritize regular medical check-ups as part of efforts to promote healthier living and prevent disease.

This message was contained in a statement issued by the Rivers State Ministry of Health in Port Harcourt to commemorate the 2026 World Health Day.

The statement, signed by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Prof. Justina Jumbo, urged citizens to rely on credible health information from institutions such as the World Health Organization and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, as well as other verified media outlets.

Jumbo emphasized the importance of adopting scientifically proven health practices, including regular handwashing with soap and clean water for at least 20 seconds, the use of hand sanitizers where necessary, and proper respiratory hygiene such as covering the mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing.

She further advised residents to ensure that children receive routine vaccinations, maintain a balanced diet, reduce the intake of salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats, and consume safe, clean water.

The Permanent Secretary also encouraged regular physical activity, recommending at least 30 minutes of exercise most days, while discouraging prolonged periods of inactivity. She stressed the need for adherence to prescribed treatments, avoidance of tobacco use and harmful drugs, and moderation in alcohol consumption.

In addition, Jumbo highlighted the importance of sleeping under insecticide-treated mosquito nets to prevent malaria, maintaining proper sanitation and waste disposal, and managing stress through adequate rest, relaxation, and social support.

Speaking on this year’s theme, “Together for Health: Stand with Science,” she called on individuals, families, communities, and governments to collaborate and rely on scientific knowledge to improve overall health and well-being.

“Science has helped us achieve remarkable progress in healthcare—from vaccines that protect our children to medicines that treat diseases and public health practices that prevent outbreaks,” she said.

She, however, noted that the benefits of science can only be fully realized when people trust accurate information and make informed health decisions.

“Standing with science means listening to trained health professionals, following proven health guidelines, rejecting misinformation and harmful myths, and supporting vaccination, hygiene, and preventive care,” Jumbo added.

The Permanent Secretary further disclosed that the Ministry of Health, under the leadership of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, has recently employed trained health professionals into the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital and the Hospital Management Board to strengthen healthcare delivery.

She urged residents to make health facilities their first point of call whenever they experience any health challenges and called for greater support for healthcare workers who continue to dedicate their lives to saving others.

By John Bibor

Nation

Rumuji Youth Leader Condemns Protest, Disowns Alleged Government Empowerment Claim

Published

5 days ago

April 10, 2026

The Tide

The Youth President of Rumuji Community in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State, Hon. Emeka S. Igwe, has condemned the recent protest to the Government House and Greenville NLNG Limited, allegedly instigated by one Anele Ogbu.

In a press statement signed by him and made available to journalists in Port Harcourt, Igwe dissociated the Rumuji community from the protest, describing it as counterproductive and not sanctioned by his office.

He also dismissed claims that the Rivers State Government is planning to empower over 100 youths in Odegu Kingdom and other communities in Emohua Local Government Area, stating that he has no knowledge of such an initiative.

Igwe warned Anele Ogbu to desist from actions capable of inciting unrest in the area, alleging that misleading information has been consistently circulated to deceive unsuspecting members of the public.

He expressed concern over what he described as a growing trend of misinformation, noting that if the purported government empowerment programme were genuine, it would have been officially communicated through appropriate government channels.

According to him, as the youth president of Rumuji, he would have been duly informed and mobilised youths from the community to participate in such a programme if it truly existed.

Igwe further questioned the credibility of the claims, arguing that an initiative of such magnitude targeting at least 100 youths per community across Emohua would not be disseminated informally by a single individual.

He reiterated that the protest did not emanate from his office and maintained that Anele Ogbu lacked the authority to mobilise youths on behalf of the Rumuji community.

The youth leader also alleged that an ongoing arson case involving Ogbu has contributed to tension and unrest in the community, further deepening divisions among residents.

He explained that the purpose of the statement was to clarify the situation, correct what he described as false narratives, and calm rising tensions in the area.

Igwe urged parents and guardians to caution their wards against being misled into participating in activities that could lead to unnecessary conflicts.

He also advised the general public to verify information from credible sources before acting on it, stressing the need for vigilance in the face of increasing misinformation.

“It is important for people to ask critical questions and avoid being drawn into actions that may have serious consequences,” he said.

The Rumuji youth president reaffirmed his commitment to promoting peace and constructive engagement within the community.

John Bibor

Nation

Haniel Jack Foundation Awards Five Rivers Indigenes Scholarship

Published

5 days ago

April 10, 2026

The Tide

The Ibanibo Haniel Jack Foundation has awarded scholarships to five Rivers State indigenes in different tertiary institutions.

The scholarship programme was announced on Easter Sunday by Rev. Dr. Samuel Wachukwu, who is also the presiding pastor of Redeemer Baptist Church, at No. 44/46 Lumumba Street, Mile Two Diobu, in Port Harcourt.

Speaking, the chairman of the occasion, Barrister Karibi George, advised the recipients to justify the scholarship by ensuring that they put in their best and finish at the expected time.

George reminded them that opportunity comes but once and they should take advantage of the opportunity that comes their way judiciously.

“Those of you who are beneficiaries of this scholarship should also remember to help others and the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.

“I advise you to justify the opportunity given to you and make the man who gave you the scholarship, yourself, and your family proud,” Barrister George said.

He explained that the scholarship spans undergraduate and postgraduate levels in various high institutions in Nigeria. He thanks Sir Jack for the gesture.

The scholarship is to promote education in our society, most especially for Rivers indigenes, and equally assist those who cannot immediately afford tuition fees.

It will interest you to know that
The scholarship was borne out of God’s blessings, and this is a way to give back to the society. Besides, two of the beneficiaries are direct employees of the chairman of the foundation, sir.
Ibanibo Haniel Jack, who is also the chief executive officer (CEO) of White House Hotel, in Port Harcourt.

Chief Prezi Diffa, while presenting the awards, commended Sir Ibanibo Haniel Jack, who has deemed it necessary to give back to society.

Chief Diffa equally advised the beneficiaries to take their academics seriously and count themselves lucky.

“The man who has given you this scholarship wants to better your lives, so please put in every effort to ensure you finish the school with flying colors,” Chief Diffa said.

The beneficiaries are Isoboye Haniel Douglas, Naomi Douglas, Charles Batubo, Ajé Sokari, and
Dakoru Owen Amachree.

Tonye Orabere