Niger Delta
RSG ’ll Continue To Support UNIPORT, Wike Assures

The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has stated that the state government would continue to support the University of Port Harcourt to deliver on its core mandate.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by the Governing Council of the University of Port Harcourt, at the Government House, Port Harcourt, yesterday, Wike said that the University of Port Harcourt has played a key role in human capital development of the country.
“I had my foundation at the University of Port Harcourt. I owe it a duty to contribute to the development of my alma mater.
“I will release the sum of N200million to the university to complete the Faculty of Law building at the school. That faculty was initiated when I was a minister. I will ensure that the facility is delivered”, he said.
The governor directed the Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Special Projects to liaise with the university management for the commencement of the Convocation Arena of the institution to be funded by the Rivers State Government.
Commenting on the issue of the university land, Wike directed the Surveyor General of the state to work with the university authorities to map out the land belonging to the institution.
The governor, however, advised federal agencies not to acquire land that they cannot use for development purposes.
He said many communities are denied access to land because some federal agencies acquire land they cannot put to use.
“I am not in support of federal agencies taking land without using same. I am discouraging the non-usage of such land”, he said.
He said the state government would install electricity and water facilities at the Faculty of Humanities building at the institution.
The governor said though that faculty was approved by the immediate past administration, it was his administration that funded its construction with over N400million.
Earlier, the Pro-Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Prof Mvendaga Jibo congratulated the Rivers State governor on his victory at the polls.
He said though the contest was tough, the governor emerged victorious through planning and the grace of God.
He said: “As a political scientist, I closely followed the contest. I knew that it was very tough. It required good planning; it required foresight to achieve the victory you won. I think God was on your side.
“We appreciate what you stand for in this country’s politics, even if now and again you make statements that people may not immediately understand. Nevertheless, I think you are in the right direction of nation building”.
He praised the Rivers State governor for contributing to the infrastructural development of the school and improving the relationship between the school and its host communities.
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Prof Ndowa Lale thanked the governor for delivering on the Faculty of Humanities in the institution and starting work on the Convocation Arena of the university.
Lale said that the University of Port Harcourt remains eternally grateful to the governor for his contributions to the development of projects in the school.
He said such projects would remain worthy legacies.
The VC appealed to the Rivers State governor to assist the university to stop the encroachment on its land by the host communities.
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.