Rivers
UNIPORT Alumni Mourn Dr Chinelo, Commiserate With Family
The University of Port Harcourt Alumni Association, has expressed grief, as it commiserates with the family of Late Dr Megafu Nwando Chinelo, who was a victim of terrorists attack on the Kaduna-bound train.
In a release signed by the newly elected President of the association, Pastor Williams Ule and made available to journalists, Ule said the incident which led to the killing of Dr Chinelo alongside a few other passengers, was both avoidable and regrettable .
According to him, the attack cut short the lives of very young and energetic Nigerians who had so much to contribute towards the development of the country at this crucial time of our development.
Late Dr Chinelo, who was a University of Port Harcourt-trained Dental Surgeon, had died from the wounds she sustained in the deadly attack. In the now-viral image, Chinelo was seen in a pool of her blood.
Expressing the heartfelt condolences of members of the Alumni over the sad development, to the families of those affected and to the family of Dr Chinelo in particular, Pastor Williams said this was unfortunate and unwarranted.
‘‘As an association, we identify and grieve with the entire family and families of other Nigerians killed during this gruesome attack. We are, however, consoled by the fact that the young lady died while pursuing and adding value to humanity.
‘‘It is our solemn and collective prayer that the Almighty God grants her soul eternal peace and give the entire family the grace and fortitude to bear the irreparable loss’’.
Ule, who condemned the terrorists attack, called on security agencies to immediately bring the pepertrators of this dastardly act to book. He also called on the federal government to tighten up security across the country, stating that the attack on the Abuja-Kaduna rail line shows how porous our security is in virtually all parts of the country.
He urged government to provide all necessary security devices and coverages to ensure the Nigerian rail network, roads, water ways and airports are properly secured in order to guarantee the lives and property of citizens of the country.
Meanwhile, another release signed by the National Publicity Secretary of the association, Matthew Ogagavworia, outrightly condemned the incident, describing it as “near breakdown of law and order which allows criminals of every hue to have a field day in inflicting pains, horror, bloodshed and untold hardships to their unsuspecting victims.
It also called for compensation to the immediate family of their late member, stating that Nigeria cannot continue to police the internal boundaries like it did 10years ago but embrace changes in the uniquely Nigerian environment and become more decisive and ruthless in its determination to deter, prevent and enforce law and order so that the bad guys in our midst would rethink violence.
According to the second release, Late Dr Megafu will be remembered as a conscientious, dedicated, committed Professional with a keen sense of duty and responsibility to serve her fatherland.
The leader of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area Simplified Movement, Ambassador Chijioke Ihunwo, has unveiled a N10 million grant aimed at empowering women in Ward 1 of Obio/Akpor LGA.
Making the announcement during the recently concluded Obio/Akpor Ward 1 town hall meeting, Ihunwo revealed that the grant will be distributed in amounts of N100,000 to 20 women per community, including non-indigenes.
He stated that the gesture is a token of appreciation for the women’s unwavering support for Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Ihunwo emphasised the Governor’s commitment to ensuring that Ward 1, Obio/Akpor LGA, and Rivers State as a whole benefit from good governance.
Special Adviser on Power to the Governor, Hon. Solomon Abel Eke, highlighted the transparency and fairness that define the current leadership of the Obio/Akpor Simplified Movement, assuring that it operates without nepotism or impunity.
During the event, former leader of the Obio/Akpor Legislative Assembly, Hon. Achor Nna, criticised former Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Martin Amaewhule, who is also from Ward 1, for actions deemed uncharacteristic of true sons of Obio/Akpor LGA.
Also in attendance at the town hall meeting were Hon. Darlington Orji, Special Adviser on Political Affairs to the Governor of Rivers State, along with other prominent figures as well as other sons and daughters of Obio/Akpor.
They congratulated the new Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Victor Oko-Jumbo, and collectively reaffirmed their support for the Fubara-led administration, underscoring a shared commitment to the progress and development of Rivers State.
Theresa Frederick & Charity Amiso
The Rivers State Executive Council, on Wednesday, approved N225 billion for the construction of the Trans-Kalabari Road project.
The Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr Joseph Johnson, disclosed this while briefing newsmen after the State Executive Council meeting.
The meeting was presided over by Governor Siminalayi Fubara at the state Government House in Port Harcourt.
He said the project would be funded with savings from the state’s Internally Generated Revenue.
“We shall not borrow to fund the project. We are bent on generating money to fund our projects”, he said.
Johnson stated that the contractor had been mobilised with 30 per cent of the contract, worth to commence implementation.
The commissioner further said the project would be completed within a period of 32 months.
“This is the main Trans-Kalabari Road, the one that happened in the past was building of bridges.
“We are now doing a Trans-Kalabari Road that will run from NSS Pathfinder, immediately after Mgbuodohia community and extend to about 2km to the Aker Base Road in Rumuolumeni”, he said.
He also said the road would pass through the swamps behind the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, moving southwards towards the first bridge crossing.
“It will continue through a series of bridges, connecting many communities up to Tombia Town.
“The road will traverse very difficult terrains of swamp across rivers and creeks upon which series of bridges, decking and piling works will be done”, he said.
The Commissioner further said the state recently recorded some giant strides in the sporting sector.
Also briefing, the Acting Director-General, Rivers State Bureau of Public Procurement, Dr Ine Briggs, explained that the bureau diligently managed the proceedings leading to the award of the Trans-Kalabari road contract.
Briggs said the submissions of the state Ministry of Works were reviewed and all the supporting documents examined by the Ministry.
“Having fulfilled all the necessary procurement procedures and guidelines as prescribed by the Rivers State Public Procurement Law 2008 as amended, the Bureau is satisfied that all the elements leading to this award is sufficient to issue a certificate of no objection.
“Therefore, in consideration of all the relevant documents submitted by the Ministry of Works pursuant to the construction of Trans-Kalabari Road and bridges, the Bureau has issued the certificate of no objection, and that the contract be awarded to Lubrick Construction Company Limited”, Briggs said.
The Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mr Joseph Johnson, has said the ongoing dualisation of the Elele/Umudioga/ Egbeda/Ikiri/Omoku Road was awarded at N80 billion.
Johnson disclosed this in Port Harcourt yesterday while speaking to newsmen on the achievements of the Governor Siminalaye Fubara-led administration after one year in office.
He said the road, which cuts across three Local Government Areas, would facilitate easy movement of people and goods, saying “it will boost cross-community commerce.
“The farming communities along this area will find it easy to move their produce to markets in neighbouring towns.
“This project is a deliberate effort to make movement easy for our people, it’s no politics but service delivery”.
The Commissioner said the State Government had already paid 50 per cent of the contract value amounting to N40 billion.
“We are not paying lip service to governance, we mean business. We want Rivers people to see something new.
“We have devised ways of generating money to fund our projects, we are not indulging in any borrowing festival”, he said.
Analysts say the state capital will be decongested if the government successfully implements the line up of road projects in the state.
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