Niger Delta
Group Tasks Bayelsa Govt On Sanitation
The Environmental
Rights Action, ERA, Bayelsa State, has urged the State Government to situate receptacles from school surroundings saying the current scenario in the state is inexcusable and does not set a good example to children as regards hygiene.
Head of ERA in the state, Mr. Moses Alagoa, who blamed indiscriminate dumping of refuse in the state capital on government and residents, said, “Sadly too, sometimes, residents also failed to properly dispose their refuse even when the receptacles were relatively empty. They prefer dropping their refuse outside the receptacles; by the side of the road.”
“One other observation is the inconsistency and lack of political will in matching government pronouncements with action. The state government had pronounced in the past that neither markets nor refuse dumps should be located close to schools, but what is on ground at Kpansia and Opolo schools proved the statements ineffective; as the refuse dumps formed landmark features in this environment till date,” he added.
He said that ERA field monitors observed that most of the refuse receptacles were sited around public schools even where there are no refuse receptacles, adding this is the case at Edepie, Opolo, Biogbolo, Kpansia, Okaka, Onopa etc. and at street junctions, as is the case at Green Villa junction, Road Safety junction, Hospital junction, along Chief Melford Okilo Road.
“Bridge heads are not spared as most of the natural drainage system presents another site for some residents to dispose their refuse. At a point the refuse was competing with cars and pedestrians on the roads as pedestrian walks were taken over in some areas,” he said.
He appealed to residents of the state capital and visitors to ensure a healthy environment by disposing refuse properly and at designated sites saying, besides refuse receptacles; refuse bins should be procured and properly distributed in the city; not just on major roads but on lanes and streets too.”
“The state government should consider the introduction of sanitary inspectors to effectively monitor the city, especially streets and not necessarily entering into people’s rooms and parlour. This is with a view to encouraging proper environmental practices and support neighbours, who have been suffering from the negative practices of others.
“Government and the civil society should give the required attention to this issue and step up enlightenment campaigns to educate residents on proper refuse disposal habits,” he said
L-R: General Overseer, Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, his wife, Justice Eberechi Suzette Wike (2nd right) and the Deputy Governor, Dr. (Mrs) Ipalibo Harry Banigo, during an Holy Ghost Rally in Port Harcourt, recently.
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.