Niger Delta
… Set To Complete Ultra-Modern Motor Park
The Governor Douye Diri led government of Bayelsa State has indicated plans to complete the Ultra-Modern Motorpark project started by the immediate past administration.
The state Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo gave the indication at the weekend, during a meeting with representatives of Etegwe- Tombia Junction Traders Association, Road Transport Employers and Workers unions in Government House, Yenagoa.
In a statement by his media aide, Mr Doubara Atasi, the Deputy Governor underscored the importance of the project, which he noted would help to decongest and improve the city status of Yenagoa.
According to Senator Ewhrudjakpo, the present administration is desirous of completing the Igbogene Motorpark to enable it implement an efficient inter and intra-city transport system.
He maintained that when completed, the central motorpark would not only enhance the aesthetics of the state capital but also checkmate the activities of criminals in Yenagoa and its environs.
To this end, the Deputy Governor urged the relevant state officials including the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure to immediately visit the Igbogene site with the transport union representatives to put up a temporary structure for use.
He said urgency was attached to government’s move to relocate the market and motorparks at the popular Etegwe-Tombia Roundabout to ease traffic in the area, preparatory to the take-off of commercial operations at the state airport.
Senator Ewhrudjakpo, who solicited the understanding and cooperation of those doing business in the area, advised them to prevail on their members not to take the laws into their hands.
While assuring them of the present administration’s commitment to creating a congenial business environment, he said government would provide a more suitable place for both unions to carry out their activities.
“We are working to see that we relocate you from that Tombia area to a more comfortable place to do your business. The last time we met, I think we delegated the Commissioner for Land and the former Commissioner for Trade and Investment to go with you to check the site you suggested”, he added.
“Our desire is that all those motorparks there (Tombia Junction) will be moved to Igbogene where we will have our central park. This means every passenger coming into Yenagoa, will first alight there before taking town service into town.Do you know the importance of that? It will help us to checkmate all the criminals who come in with their vehicles from outside and rob people in the name of running town service”, the deputy Governor reiterated.
In their separate remarks, the Acting Chairman, Tombia Junction Traders Association, Alhaji Dahiru Yau and the State Chairman of Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria, Mr Chris Adokeme, pleaded with government to provide an alternative for their relocation.
Also speaking, Patron of the Traders Association, Mr Biggy Obesi, expressed gratitude to the Deputy Governor for his proactive measures and assured him of a better working relationship between Government and the Association.
Those who made strong submissions at the meeting included, the Secretary to the State Government, Rt Hon. Konbowei Benson, Deputy Chief of Staff, Deputy Governor’s Office, Barrister Alex Dumbo, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, CP Akpoebi Agberebi.
By: Ariwera Ibibo- Howells, Yenagoa
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.