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Wike, Doyen Of Rivers Infrastructural Dev-Cookey-Gam

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The Executive Chairman of Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Council of Rivers State, Rt Hon. Enyiada Cookey-Gam has described Governor Nyesom Wike, as doyen of infrastructural development in the Rivers State, going by his quest to transform the oil and gas rich state in road construction, reconstruction and rehabilitation in all three senatorial zones of the state, since his emergence as governor six years ago.
Speaking with journalists recently in Opobo, while assessing the governor’s performance six years after, Cookey-Gam said that Chief Wike had taken the state to a greater development pedestal, which had never been envisaged by previous administration in road and other infrastructural development, noting that everywhere in Rivers State, including the rural communities, which Opobo/Nkoro is one among them, remains connected or getting connected with roads of good standards.
According to him, “Within this period, Governor Wike has delivered over one hundred kilometers of road network, including trunk A roads, bridges and flyovers, spreading to nearly every local government area of the state, while several communities now have paved internal roads for the first time since the creation of the state, years back.”
He added that at last, over eighteen major single lane roads, including Igwuruta-Chokocho road, Tam David West Boulevard, Saakpenwa-Bori road, Rumuokurushi-Eneka-Igwuruta road, Rumue-pirikom-Rumu-olumeni road and Rebisi Trans-Amadi-Oginigba road.
He maintained that other roads are Elelenwo-Woji road, Eagle Island –Iloabuchi road, Iche-Ndu-Elelenwo-Akpajo road, Forces Avenue, Birabi, Emeyal, Tombia and Olumeni roads while Harley Street has become a dual carriage way, as well as the dualisation of Elimgbu, Eastern By Pass, Ahoada-Omoku and Egbema-Omoku roads are also underway.
“In 2019, Governor Wike pledged to deliver three flyovers to tackle the perennial traffic congestion in Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor Local Government Areas of the state. But, today, the governor has not only delivered the promised made, he also has gone ahead with the delivery of seven additional flyovers to the surprise of critics who confirmed what was ongoing in Rivers State on road delivery,” he said.
He averred: “Governor Nyesom Wike is not only delivering roads, rather is dishing out to the people quality roads through seasoned contracting firms and other service providers. And because no place is left out, even some of the very remote communities in Andoni and Opobo/Nkoro local government areas, including Opobo town, can now boast of roads linking them to Port Harcourt, the state capital for the first time in the history of the existence of these catchment areas.
“The Governor has also provided the first phase of the trans-kalabari road, which is poised to be a relief of the people under the present dispensation. It is also on record that the governor, within the space of six years, was able to deliver trunk A roads across the 23 local government areas of the state to create inter-connectivity and driving trade, commerce and economic growth at an unprecedented scale.”

By: Bethel Toby

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Rivers

Motor Spare Parts, Industrial Generators Dealers’ Union Swears Gets New Chairman in Port Harcourt

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The Owhonda Dickson Motor Spare Parts and Industrial Generators Dealers’ Union operating in Ikoku Port Harcourt, Rivers state has sworn in Mr. Cyril Igbokwe, popularly known as Onyeoma Cy, as its new Chairman.

The brief swearing _in ceremony was held at the union office in Port Harcourt, last Wednesday

In his acceptance speech, Mr. Igbokwe expressed gratitude for the trust and confidence his members had shown in him, despite his perceived educational background compared to others. , “I feel very happy to be the chairman of this great union in this great market. I’m proud of my executives for demonstrating commitment and cooperation.” Notably, the executives raised over ?1 million for the inauguration ceremony within an hour.

The new Chairman promised to tackle key challenges facing the union, including security and indiscipline. He vowed to follow in the footsteps of his predecessor, who he praised for excellent performance, and aimed to possibly do better.

Mr. Igbokwe emphasized maintaining a robust relationship with the host community and conducting his affairs within the ambit of the law.

In his remarks,the Electoral Committee Chairman’, Igwe Amobichukwu Eze Okorie, assured that the elections were conducted in a free, fair, and credible manner. Despite facing challenges such as non-compliance with guidelines and unfounded propaganda campaigns, no formal protest letters had been received.

Also speaking, the Women’s Leader, Lolo Nkechinyere Okolie, expressed faith in the new Chairman, citing his integrity and experience. She highlighted her role in ensuring women’s voices are counted in the union and vouched for the credibility of the election, noting that Mr. Igbokwe was the popular choice among members.

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CDS Urges Communities To Protect Pipelines

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The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, has urged Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) host communities to protect national assets located within their areas.
Musa made the appeal at a monthly stakeholders’ meeting organised by Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) in Port Harcourt.
Represented by Navy Capt. Lassie Ozovehe, he said the effects of oil bunkering and pipeline vandalism were mostly borne by the host communities themselves.
He noted that the environmental and health risks from pipeline damage affect locals more than the oil companies operating in the region.
“These assets are on your land. You benefit from them, so you must protect them and safeguard yourselves from the hazards”, he said.
He praised PINL for its consistent efforts in securing the assets, particularly its record of zero infractions on the Trans Niger pipelines.
Earlier, Dr. Akpos Mezeh, PINL’s Community Relations Consultant, urged host communities to collaborate in tackling security challenges in the Niger Delta.
Mezeh said PINL had expanded its mandate to include the security of all oil and gas infrastructure in the Eastern Corridor, including gas pipelines.
He explained that the meeting aimed to reduce pipeline vandalism and oil theft, which have major economic consequences for the country.
He stated that PINL had seen near-zero incidents over the past month, crediting host community cooperation for the achievement.
He, however, identified ongoing issues such as poor information sharing, threats to surveillance guards, stakeholder collusion, and leadership disputes.
A keynote speaker, Mr. Otoyo Sunday, discussed the serious health effects of gas flaring in the Niger Delta region.
He urged people to view the environment as living, warning that harmful activities have long-term consequences for people and nature.
Sunday condemned gas flaring caused by well testing, pressure releases, and illegal refining activities.
On his part, Chairman of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Eastern Zone, Mr. Datolu Sokubo,  called for a balanced focus on security and human development.
“You can’t protect pipelines without addressing people’s welfare. Without our cooperation, infrastructure is never truly secure”, he said.
He urged the Federal Government to prioritise development, especially in education and healthcare, across the region.
The Traditional Ruler of Ekpeye Land, Eze Kelvin Anugwu, called on oil companies to end gas flaring immediately.
Represented by Dr. Patricia Ogbonnaya, he urged PINL to raise awareness of the health and environmental concerns of the communities.
“We keep advising our youths against bunkering. But oil firms must take responsibility for the long-term effects of their operations”, he stated.
Other traditional leaders at the meeting requested improved welfare for surveillance workers, chiefs, and communities to maintain stability and protect oil infrastructure.
Theresa Frederick & Charity Amiso
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Monarch Cautions Youths Against Illicit Drug Consumption

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The Eze Igbu Orlukwor II, Eze Ehie II, HRH Eze Prince Ike Ehie, has cautioned youths in   his kingdom and Ekpeye at large on the need to  abstain from illicit drugs consumption.
Ehie said this recently while fielding questions from newsmen in commemoration of the 2025 World Drug Abuse Day at his liaison office, Ahoada.
He emphasized that drug abuse was dangerous to the body system as it had harmed many physically, mentally and otherwise.
The Monarch noted that people should always take ‘drugs’ based on prescription by qualified medical and health personnel.
He said youths’ alleged disrespect for constituted authorities, mental challenge and various types of illnesses can be linked to the consumption of illicit drugs.
The Royal Father further noted that except government agencies saddled with the requisite responsibilities synergized with traditional institutions and other like-minded organizations, much may not be achieved against the campaign and fight against illicit drug consumption.
According to him, most youths today can do nothing without taking hard drugs, which he said makes them ‘high’ and hyper elated.
The Orlukwor Monarch wondered how the youths would take over the mantle of leadership at both communities and federal levels with such uncultured behaviour and repugnant attitudes.
The World Day of Drug Abuse,  was tagged, “Breaking The Chains, Prevention, Treatment And Recovery For All”.
King Onunwor
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