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Elano Health Insurance Scheme Gets Additional 400 Families 

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Arrangements have been
concluded to add a fresh set of 400 families to the number of families from the host communities of Indorama Eleme Petrochemicals Limited, Eleme in Rivers State enjoying the health insurance scheme of Elano Investments Limited.
The Chairman of Elano, Chief Gomba Okanje, disclosed this in Port Harcourt, after the resolution of the crisis of confidence between the management board of the company and some aggrieved stakeholders of the host communities.
He said having effectively delivered on the pilot scheme of the health insurance scheme, Elano is moving on to the second phase involving 400 families. “We started with a pilot scheme of 500 families at six members per family. The second batch is now ready,” he said.
The Inspector General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase, had given the board a clean bill of health after investigations he commissioned found out that the board had not been in breach of its obligations to its stakeholders.
Elano is a community-based company mandated to manage the dividends accruing to the host communities of Indorama Eleme Petrochemicals Limited. The communities are Akpakpan, Njuru, Agbonchia, Okerewa, Aleto, Akpajo and Elelenwo.
Its mandate also includes investing in infrastructure, social amenities, healthcare, education and profitable ventures to fulfill the objectives of setting up the company.
Following the amicable resolution of the crisis by the IGP, the Elano Board Chairman appealed to the aggrieved stakeholders to join hands with the company to develop the communities.
Okanje said contrary to the impression put out by some of the aggirveved stakeholders, the board of Elano was working in harmony with all the communities and had not been hijacked by anyone.
“The communities put up support. All the chiefs are members of the Elano Board. It was only politicians that wanted to hijack the processes. But we have asked them to play their politics and leave us out of politics. We are not politicians. We are people that keep to our promises. And we are keeping our words to our stakeholders,” he declared.
“We have seen the progress that Elano has made in infrastructure, health insurance, post-graduate overseas scholarships, skills training and security,” he said. “These strides are already touching the lives of the less privileged.”
Okanje disclosed that Elano has concluded arrangements to launch into investment projects that would further boost the income base of the company and expand the material and business benefits to its stakeholders and communities.
He said Indorama has dealt commendably well with its host communities and have surpassed very other major company doing business in Eleme Local Government Area, both in its profitability and in its relationship with the host communities.
Okanje said the solid road projects cut across the six communities, the security posts, the skills training and scholarships were all in the open for those with any doubt to see and assess. “We are open for anyone to see. We have nothing to hide,” he said.

 

Emmanuel Obe, Eleme

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Rivers

INEC Urges Peaceful Rivers Assembly Bye-elections

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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has urged stakeholders to promote peace and ensure credible Rivers State House of Assembly bye-elections scheduled for February 21.
The state’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Prof. Gabriel Yomere, made the appeal at a stakeholders’ meeting in Port Harcourt on Thursday.
Yomere said the poll was vital for voters in Ahoada-East II and Khana II constituencies, who had remained without representation at the state level.
He said INEC had begun preparations, including deploying trained personnel and ensuring timely distribution of sensitive and non-sensitive election materials.
“The bye-election will involve 112,950 registered voters across 14 registration areas and 242 polling units in the two Local Government Areas.
“We have commenced all necessary internal preparations towards a successful bye-election”, he said.
Yomere urged political parties and candidates to uphold internal democracy and responsibility during the primaries scheduled to hold by January 23.
“Elections should be contests of ideas, not battles marked by intimidation, destruction or violence”, he said.
He commended security agencies for professionalism and assured them of INEC’s continued collaboration to ensure a secure election environment.
Yomere also encouraged political parties, civil society groups and the media to support voter education, peaceful participation and counter misinformation.
He disclosed that INEC commenced the second phase of the Continuous Voter Registration exercise on January 5 across all registration centres in the state.
The Commissioner of Police, Rivers State, Mr. Olugbenga Adepoju, appealed to stakeholders to ensure peaceful bye-elections, stressing that security remained everyone’s responsibility.
Represented by CSP James Njoku, Adepoju emphasised collaboration between security agencies and the public for a credible electoral process.
“Security agencies cannot do it alone without your contribution. We appreciate your efforts towards the safety and security of our state”, he said.
Adepoju warned against electoral violence, describing it as any act intended to intimidate, harm or abuse electoral stakeholders.
He urged stakeholders to educate relatives and party members on the dangers of electoral violence and its consequences.
Adepoju appealed to youths, religious, community and political leaders to encourage followers to shun violence and promote peace.
He assured that security agencies would work together to safeguard lives and properties for the conduct of free and fair elections.
The Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, Dr. Nnanna Onyekere, praised INEC’s proactiveness, saying it boosted confidence in a credible election.
“We assure you there will be no violence. There will be peace across the state”,  Onyekere said.
He commended INEC for moving voter registration to ward level, noting it would ease access for prospective voters.
Onyekere called on political parties to collaborate with INEC and expressed confidence that the bye-elections would be peaceful and successful.
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Rivers

PH To Host 2026 NBA Conference

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The Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) says Port Harcourt will host its 2026 Annual General Conference with an ambitious theme: “Beyond Limits.”
Its President, Afam Osigwe, SAN, disclosed this at its National Secretariat on Friday.
The theme, the President said, serves as a strategic mandate for legal practitioners to shatter traditional constraints and pivot toward innovation in justice delivery and governance.
Osigwe emphasised that bringing the flagship event to the South-South region is a calculated move to foster national inclusion and ensure that the association’s activities resonate deeply with members across every geographical zone.
Chairman of the Conference Planning Committee, Abdul Mohammed, SAN, assured the legal community that early preparations are focused on delivering a high-caliber experience that aligns with international organisational standards.
The day’s proceedings also took a significant turn toward professional development with the inauguration of a new co-working space for young lawyers.
Located at the National Secretariat, the facility is a direct response to the structural and economic hurdles facing early-career practitioners.
It offers a professional setting for client consultations and collaborative research, ensuring that junior members remain vibrantly engaged in active practice.
The co-working initiative, spearheaded by the NBA Welfare Committee, was personally funded by its chairman, Chief James Onoja, SAN, and coordinated by Welfare Secretary, Mr. Auta Nyada.
In a tribute to professional excellence, the space was named after former Attorney-General of the Federation, Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, whose legacy of mentorship and ethical advocacy served as the inspiration for the project.
While urging local branches to establish similar hubs at their respective bar centers, the NBA also confirmed that registration for the 2026 conference is now officially open, with more details on the speaker lineup and session schedules to follow.
By; Theresa Frederick & Charity Amiso
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Rivers

Wobodo Pledges Support For Ex-Service Men, Others

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The Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area (LGA), Hon. Charles Wobodo, said he would not renege on his administration’s commitment to support ex-servicemen and other security personnel within the Local Government area.
Wobodo made this known during the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration held in Isiokpo, the Headquarters of Ikwerre Local Government.
He said the event provided an opportunity to honour men and women who paid the supreme price in the defence of Nigeria’s unity and sovereignty.
The council chairman described fallen servicemen as national heroes whose sacrifices must never be forgotten by government and citizens alike.
According to him, his administration remains committed to strengthening the local security architecture to enhance peace and safety across Ikwerre communities.
He disclosed that the council has provided operational vehicles and other forms of support to security agencies operating in the area.
The Kelga Council Chairman noted that beyond serving officers, the local government is also focused on the welfare of retired and disabled security personnel.
He also assured that widows of fallen servicemen would not be neglected, stressing that they would be included in the council’s social welfare programmes.
The chairman further emphasized the need for continuous collaboration between the local government and security stakeholders to sustain peace and development.
As part of activities marking the remembrance event, Wobodo made a cash donation to members of the Nigerian Legion in the area.
He urged the legionnaires to maintain a cordial relationship with the local government and to continue supporting peace initiatives.
One of the Ex-service men, Major Joseph Wonuma, stated that  the Armed Forces Remembrance Day was a significant occasion and appealed to the Council chairman to prioritise welfare, employment and empowerment programmes for ex-servicemen and their families.
By: King Onunwor
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