Niger Delta
Minister Commends Nigeria, Cameroun Relationship
Relations between Nigeria and the Republic of Cameroun have become stronger as some significant achievements have been recorded by both countries in the last few years. Mr. Luc Magloire Mbarga, Cameroun Minister of Trade who stated this at the opening of the Cameroun Economic and Trade Week in the main bowl of the Cultural Centre, Calabar, attributed the rise to the October 2008 meeting between President Musa Yar’Adua of Nigeria and President Paul Biya of Cameroun which culminated in the first Nigerian Trade and Cultural week in Douala in March 2009. According to Mbarga, the Cameroun Economic and Trade Week is a follow up to a promise that Cameroun would follow the move made by Nigeria by holding its own version in Nigeria later in the year, adding that the decision falls in line with resolutions to ratify economic unions between the two nations. Mbarga reasoned that the economic week would afford business men and women the opportunity to interact and share their different know how, adding that time has come for the two countries to grow for the benefit of the people as the trade agreement between them is intended to make the duo one of the strongest trading partners in Africa. He noted that both stand to gain greatly if they partner because of their areas of comparative advantage than trading with oversea nations with what is available continentally, commending the two countries for the resolve to settle their differences peacefully. Chief Achike Udenwa, Minister of Commerce and Industry, represented by Mr. Augustine Adigwe, commended the Cameroun government and the organisers for the initiative which is aimed at promoting trade between the two countries, adding that the Nigerian Trade and Cultural Week held in Duoala was a great event which became a catalyst to ignite the economic and cultural potentials of the two countries. Udenwa disclosed Nigeria’s vision 20:20:20 on industrial reform which touches on increase in industrial productivity, promotion of the non-oil sector and promotion of export is aimed at creating employment and wealth, stating that Nigeria and Cameroun have a strong cordial relationship of benefit though far below their income potentials. The Minister observed that the forum would create opportunities for trans-border trade between the two countries as well as improve the quality of the people through Public Private Partnership (PPP), saying that there should be more fora for trade fares and exhibitions to promote trade between the duo and that by this time next year, Nigeria will be back in Cameroun. Governor Liyel Imoke of Cross River State in a welcome address, said there was need to create a conducive environment for trade between Nigeria and Cameroun through support for entrepreneurship, establishment of infrastructure like roads, water transportation as well as enforcement of security to address critical areas to boost commerce and trade. Imoke asserted that Calabar would provide opportunities to interact, share ideas that would contribute to the growth and development of the two countries as those involved would proffer ideas that would bring development for the collective growth of the nations.
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.