Metro
War Drum: No African Country Can Contain Nigeria’s Refugees
Nigeria is yet to recover from the effects of what will perharps go down in the political history of the country as the mother of all protests that sprang up nationwide at the instance of the perceived neglected youthful population.
The nationwide protests, framed under the theme, #EndSars, like a social revolution, started on a peaceful note under a united front against the brute force of Sars against the citizenry, and the apparent indifference of the federal government to the glaring excesses of that unit of the police force.
The twists and turns of the protests have left in its wake negative consequences that threatens the very foundation of the nation.
Apart from the #endsars, saga, there had been barrages of agitations, including, drumming for secession and war, by some aggrieved groups in the country. Amidst the heightened tension across the country, some concerned Nigerians have posited that the events of the past weeks should be seen as a watershed to reposition the country on the path of national rebirth.
A Moslem cleric, Alhaji Murtala Bamidele, who spoke with The Tide Metro in an interview on the sideline of the eidel-Maulud celebration in Port Harcourt, said Nigeria as a nation was presently passing through it most trying moment, but the country can come out of the evolving crisis more refined if only the issues that led to the protests are addressed.
Bamidele disclosed that, “the nationwide protests by the youths have shown that something is fundamentally wrong with the system and need to be addressed to build the confidence of the masses in the leadership of the nation”.
He pointed out that the youth revolt was a national outcry that must not be glossed over, but rouse the sensitivity of the leaders to respond to the imperatives of good and responsible governance.
While commending the Nigeria Youth for their boldness to raise their voices against the force of injustices, he however, frowned against the antics of infiltrators, outlaws and extremists whose penchants for incivility led to colossal wastages of lives and properties across the nation.
He said, “in canvassing for a better Nigeria all citizens must be guided by their consciences, we must not fan the embers of war and destruction, the eye of the world is on Nigeria and what Nigeria need now is peace and justice. We don’t have any other country apart from Nigeria, and Nigeria represents hope for the black race. No African nation can contain Nigerian refugee population if there’s war. The moment we are now as a country calls for sober reflection and consolidation on the forces that unite us”.
Bamidele who is the chief Imarn of the Mile one Diobu Central Mosque, decried what he called the ‘insincerity of our leaders in governance’ and pointed out that such betrayal of public trust by leadership at all levels in the country had resulted in untold calamities in which the innocents are mostly the victims.
He said, “disintegration is never a solution to the Nigeria problems, our leaders must lead with a sense of responsibility, there should be employment for the youths, there should be provision of social amenities for the people, the art of governance goes with responsibility, our political leaders should be able to manage state fund with a sense of accountability and Nigeria will get to its expected height among the comity of nations”.
Commenting on the importance of the eidel Maulud celebration, the Moslem Cleric who is also the leader of the Tijanniyah group in Rivers State said the event represented the birth of Prophet Mohammed, and extolled the virtues of the Prophet of Islam.
“I want to use this opportunity of celebration of the birth of Prophet Mohammed to call on all Moslem faithfuls in the country to pray for the peace of the nation, I urged all Nigerians irrespective of their religious or political affiliations to embrace peace and contribute positively towards the building of the nation. We should emulate the character and services of Prophet Mohammed to Allah and humanity, the eye of the world is on Nigeria and our leaders need to sit up to redeem the image of the country, Nigerians have grown out of patience they need a sense of care and wellbeing”.
The Moslem Cleric cautioned against religious intolerance, stating that Moslems and Christians were brothers and had to work together to promote peace and development in the country. He emphasized that, the religious, traditional and political leaders should live as role models by becoming responsive to their statutory obligations towards the society.
It could be recalled that the entire length and breadth of Nigeria had over the past weeks been under turmoil, with both genuine protesters and arsonists on the rampage demanding their pound of flesh from the system which they believed had failed to live up to their aspirations and dreams.
Stories by: Taneh Beemene
Metro
Firm Plans Hose Manufacturing Facility, Marks 21st Anniversary
An oil servicing firm, Fairtex Group, rolled out drums last weekend to celebrate it is 21st anniversary.
The ceremony was held at its new headquarters, in Elelenwo in Obio/ Akpor Local Government Area, of Rivers State where the firm acquired a massive parcel of land to build its new automobile fluid testing and hose manufacturing facilities.
It also used the event to unveil its “Equip 2026” to provide roadmap for its new diversification plans.
From a one room apartment in Ogbunabali 21 years ago, the firm has grown over the years with specialty in oil tool servicing and haulage to providing oil servicing solutions.
According to its Chairman/Executive Officer(CEO), Mr. Jacob Idungafa, the company has achieved its 2023 vision and hence, plans to diversify into automobile fluid testing and hose production for oil and chemical industrial uses.
Already, he disclosed that the company has begun talks with some South African and German firms on the setting up of a automobile jack system capable of providing jobs for the host community and impact on the nation’s economy.
The hose production is going to be a joint operation with a French firm, Aeroflex, as staffers will be sent abroad for training.
Since commencing operations in 2003, the firm has established branches in 14 countries in Africa that include Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, Angola and Cote d’Ivoire.
“One unique thing is that in all of these, we have not taken any loan facility from the banks. We are prudent and resourceful, “he said.
Idungafa said further, “We are not competing with anybody. We are just beginning and there is a lot to do.”
So far, he stated that it has achieved the Vision 2023 with the acquisition of land, addingthat Equip 2026 is to serve as a launch pad for greater future for the firm.
Some staff who spoke at the 21 st anniversary praised the commitment and hard work of their CEO, saying his steadfastness has helped the firm in the path of growth over the years.
Manager, Foreign and Local Procurement, Brightness Sambo said since she joined the company, she has learnt a lot in management and networking.
In her word, “You don’t have to see the immediate results because the future is certain…We are aiming to go outside Africa.”
Human Resources Manager of Fairtex, Ngozi Ndukwe thanked God for the company and the milestones it has achieved over the years, saying “Where there is a vision, the vision does not die and with God’s grace, we are headed somewhere.”
The firm’s Principal Accounting Officer, lbaraibim Ogolo said since she joined the company, she has grown in her professional competency, describing the CEO as a role model and hardworking personality.
Highlights of the 21st anniversary included a thanksgiving service at Just Jesus Assembly, Port Harcourt, a party at the company’s new site, special performance by staffers and cutting of the anniversary cake by the Managing Director and other guests.
By: Kevin Nengia
Metro
ELTHAN Celebrates World Poetry Day In PH
As part of activities to celebrate this year’s World Poetry Day, the English Language Teachers Association of Nigeria (ELTHAN), Rivers State Branch organised poetry sensitisation day for young secondary school students in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.
The event was held at Community Secondary School Elelenwo, as students from Archdeacon Brown Educational Centre, Woji and Government Girls Secondary School, Elelenwo participated.
Chairman of the programme, Dr. Sunday Igbigibereibim said the event is to raise public awareness on the importance of literature.
“ELTHAN sees this as a challenge and that is why we commemorate 21st March yearly as provided by the United Nations Educational Scientific Council (UNESCO)”, he stated.
He noted that literature is art, “there is need for literary scholars and enthusiasts all over the world to promote Literature.”
While counselling the students on how they can make a career from Literature, Dr. Igbigibereibim pointed out that a shift has occurred over the years from impressionistic to target writing.
On her part, State Secretary of ELTHAN, Salome Ikokoyo decried the decline of literature in the society.
She revealed that in the past years, students’ performance in Literature examinations has been abysmal.
Ikokoyo stated that, “ I think what is happening is a reflection of what the teachers do in the classroom. It’s a reflection of teachers’ performance. And it’s our responsibility as teachers to do what we are paid for.”
Once teachers of Literature improve in their teaching techniques, Ikokoyo believes that students’ performance will also improve.
On the other hand, she tasked students to put in more effort, “they need to read the text books, even though some of them are not interesting, but that is where hardwork is needed.”
Students from Archdeacon Brown Educational Centre, who spoke to The Tide Metro said they were motivated by performance.
One of the students, Esther Ogbebo said she learnt a lot from performance poetry, “ I would prefer Literature for leisure, but for those, who have the passion, they can pursue their career”.
For Deborah Ebiunor, the presentations were exciting, as she lamented that,” Literature is not being promoted in the country. And students need to be encouraged to learn.”
Highlights of the programme included dance, drama and poetry performance by some students, and from the popular folk poet, Biokpo Joshua.
Metro
‘PH Water Project Nearing Completion’
The ongoing Port Harcourt water and Sanitation Project (PHWSSP) is nearing 100 percent completion, says the Managing Director of the Rivers State Water Corporation, Chief Ibibia Walter.
The project was slowed down during the last quarter of 2023 and early this year, it has got a boost when Sir. Siminialayi Fubara administration approved compensation for some residents whose properties were affected by the water pipe expansion.
The Port Harcourt water project when completed is expected to cater for quality water needs of residents of Port Harcourt City and Obio/Akpor Local Government Areas of the State.
The Rivers State Government is working on the scheme to revive water and sanitation provision in the metropolis.
Based on the updated Replacement Action Plan (RAP), the payment of compensation has paved the way for the completion of the project.
African Development Bank whose counterpart funding had been stalled had since resumed after the government approval and subsequent release of funds for the project development objectives to be achieved by the middle of the year.
Meanwhile, the Managing Director of Rivers State Water Corporation, Chief Walter had expressed appreciation to Governor Siminalayi Fubara for the elevation of King Ateke Tom, Amanyanabo of Ancient Okochiri Kingdom to First Class stool and the promise to continue the Isaka Jetty project abandoned by the last administration.
Chief Walter who hails from Okrika is an indigene of Isaka and Chairman of Isaka Council of Chiefs as he expressed happiness over the developments.
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