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Ogoni Dev: Wike Slams Abe …Pledges To Support Police

Published

9 years ago

August 5, 2016

Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has reiterated his desire to give even development to all parts of the state.
He made the pledge while addressing a huge crowd of Ogoni people at Bodo Town, ,Gokana Local Government Area, Wednesday, during an inspection of abandoned projects by the immediate past administration in the area.
He said, “just like I love Ikwerre people, that is how I love Ogoni people. When I was a Minister, I attracted projects to Ikwerre land.
I also attracted N500million fund to Kenule Beeson SaroWiwa Polytechnic,Bori. As a governor, am committed to development projects across the state and the proofs are everywhere.”
He accused Senator Magnus Abe of embezzling funds meant for the construction of critical roads and primary schools in Ogoni land, declaring that he will complete the Kpopie-Bodo City Road deliberately abandoned by the Former Secretary to the Rivers State Government.
He added that his administration is also upgrading facilities and equipment at the Bori Zonal General Hospital which was also neglected by the immediate past APC government in the state.
The governor said that his projects in Ogoni land are targeted at empowering the people and keeping his campaign pledges, unlike the immediate past administration that denied the people development projects even after releasing funds for same.
Contrary to the falsehood being peddled by Senator Magnus Abe, the governor explained that the Sakpenwa-Bori Road is being constructed by CCECC, an internationally recognised company that executed the Abuja-Kaduna Light Rail project.
The governor also submitted that CCECC won the bid to construct the road, adding that his administration works with first grade road construction companies like Julius Berger, Setraco, CGC and CCECC to deliver development to the people.
He said: “The former administration gave Senator Magnus Abe a contract of over N4billion to construct this Kpopie-Bodo City Road and he embezzled the money. I am here to physically inspect this road. I hereby direct the State Ministry of Works to complete the road,
“It is unfortunate that he abandoned the Bodo section of the road because of his dislike for Bodo people. I have also directed that the road be fitted with street lights for beautification ”
He added that the former Federal Lawmaker wasted for years in the Senate without attracting development to his people, noting that he will never get the votes of the people because of his anti-people politics.
“I have disgraced the immediate past administration of APC in Rivers State by working where they failed to work. I have reached out to Ogoni people through projects that is why they are pained by the acceptance we enjoy. I will continue to develop Ogoni land and ensure that the people enjoy the benefits of good governance denied them by the immediate past APC administration where Senator Magnus Abe played a prominent role in defrauding Rivers State “, the governor said.
The governor said steps will be taken to address the issue of embezzlement of state funds by the Rivers State APC leaders.
In his remarks, Rivers State Commissioner for Works, Architect Harrison Iheanyichukwu said his ministry will start the reconstruction of the 6.9 kilometre road in the course of the week.
An indigene of the area and Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Chief Kenneth Kobani said the people are appreciative of Governor Wike’s commitment to their development.
Meanwhile, Governor Wike says the State Government will give the Nigeria Police the necessary support and backing on the ongoing arms mop-up exercise in the state.
He made the declaration when he received the new Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr. Francis Mobolaji Odesanya on Wednesday in Government House, Port Harcourt.
Chief Wike commended the new Rivers State police boss for starting on a good note urged him to sustain the tempo saying, “ do your job effectively and if anybody is involved please do not look back. Don’t give politicians the opportunity to mount pressure on you.”
The governor reiterated that the current success recorded in curbing crimes and returning peace to the state must be sustained, while emphasising the need for the police to be proactive.
Chief Wike further advised the State police chief and his men to be apolitical during the forthcoming rerun elections as the people of the state will resist any plot to use instruments of State to rig elections .
He noted that the police should work professionally to create the right atmosphere for the people to exercise their franchise without molestation.
The governor stated : “If anyone uses instruments of State to rig elections, we will not fold our hands”.
He reminded the police of the need to weed out compromised officers with political affiliation, pointing out that he has written to the Inspector-General of Police on the issue.
Governor Wike maintained that the state government will continue to support the police to fight crime at all levels.
“For the past one year, we have bought over 100 vehicles for security agencies. We will always support the police to improve security.
“We have to work together to fight crime. I am happy with the level of policing in the state which has reduced the level of crime”, Governor Wike said.
The governor announced that the state government will supply additional vehicles to the police. He also directed the local government councils in the state to provide logistics support to police divisions across the state.
Earlier, the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Mr Francis Mobolaji Odesanya said that the police under his leadership will ensure the mop up of arms to promote security of lives and property.
He said that Rivers State will not be home to crimes as measures are being implemented to root them out.
He assured the people of the state that he will be apolitical and professional in the discharge of his duties.
The new commissioner of Police is the fifth police chief working with Governor Wike since he assumed duty on May 29, 2015.

News

Group Advocates Indigenous Language Sustainability, Calls for Policy Action

Published

2 days ago

January 19, 2026

The Tide

A pan-Nigeria organisation committed to the promotion and preservation of indigenous languages, Indigenous Language and Culture Promoters (ILCP), has called for the deliberate development and compulsory teaching of indigenous languages in both primary and secondary schools across the country.

The group made the call during its maiden Congress held in Bori, Rivers State, which was convened to examine challenges hindering the official adoption and effective teaching of Ogoni languages in schools.

Speaking at the Congress, the Executive Director of the organisation, HRC Mene Magnus Edooh, Amb.P, emphasised the critical role of indigenous languages in preserving a people’s culture, values and history. He warned against the gradual extinction of native languages, noting that language loss equates to identity loss.

“Years ago, Latin was a language of global relevance, but today it is largely extinct. We do not want Ogoni languages to suffer a similar fate. As a people, we cannot afford to lose our identity through the death of our languages,” Edooh said.

He explained that the Indigenous Language and Culture Promoters was established to collaborate with language stakeholders to ensure that children and younger generations remain connected to their mother tongues. The organisation also appealed to governments at all levels, as well as relevant institutions and individuals, to take strategic actions aimed at promoting and sustaining Nigeria’s indigenous languages.

Also speaking, the newly appointed Director of Media and Information, Prince David N. Gbarato, questioned the rationale behind government reluctance to accord indigenous languages their rightful place in national development policies.

According to him, “People with well-developed languages are people with well-developed indigenous systems and affairs,” stressing that language development is fundamental to cultural and societal advancement.

The Congress further served as a platform for the ratification of key officers of the organisation and featured the participation of representatives from various indigenous language groups and other language stakeholders, all of whom echoed the call for renewed commitment towards safeguarding Nigeria’s linguistic heritage.

News

Rivers Boundary Commission Steps In to Resolve Okoloma–Ban-Ogoi Land Dispute

Published

2 days ago

January 19, 2026

The Tide

As part of deliberate efforts to promote peaceful coexistence and prevent communal conflict, the Rivers State Boundary Commission has intervened in the long-standing boundary dispute between Okoloma (Afam) Community in Oyigbo Local Government Area and Ban-Ogoi Community in Tai Local Government Area of the state.

The intervention followed a stakeholders’ meeting convened by the Commission at the Government House, Port Harcourt, on Friday, January 16, 2026. The meeting was aimed at setting up a technical committee that will work towards an amicable and lasting resolution of the land dispute between the two neighbouring communities.

Speaking at the meeting, the Deputy Governor of Rivers State and Chairman of the Rivers State Boundary Commission, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, stressed the importance of peace, dialogue and mutual understanding in resolving boundary-related disagreements. She urged all parties to approach the process with sincerity and restraint, noting that sustainable peace can only be achieved through constructive engagement.

Prof. Odu advised the communities to emulate the peaceful disposition and leadership style of Governor Siminalayi Fubara by presenting their grievances and petitions without bitterness or rancour, assuring them of the Commission’s commitment to fairness and justice.

She also expressed satisfaction with the presence of the Chairmen of Tai and Oyigbo Local Government Areas at the meeting, describing it as a clear demonstration of their resolve to maintain peace and harmony between the affected communities.

In their separate remarks, the Chairman of Oyigbo Local Government Area, Dr. Okechukwu Akara Nwaogu, and his Tai Local Government Area counterpart, Hon. Mbakpone Okpe, reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring peaceful coexistence among their people. They emphasized that peace is critical to attracting development and investment to the area.

Both council chairmen commended the Rivers State Boundary Commission for its proactive intervention, expressing optimism that the establishment of a technical committee would pave the way for a fair and enduring resolution of the dispute.

News

Fanfare, Pageantry As Ohiauga Community Honours 31 Eminent Personalities with Maiden Leadership Awards

Published

2 days ago

January 19, 2026

The Tide

Ohiauga Community in Igburu Clan, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, on Saturday, December 27, 2025, witnessed an unprecedented spectacle of celebrations, fanfare and cultural splendour as it honoured 31 distinguished personalities for their outstanding leadership qualities, selfless service and immense contributions to the growth and development of the community.

The historic event, which took place at the Ohiauga Community Town Hall, marked the maiden edition of the Ohiauga Leadership Awards and saw 27 illustrious sons and daughters of the community, alongside four non-indigenes, decorated with various honours in recognition of their unwavering commitment to the socio-economic, political and infrastructural advancement of the area.

From the early hours of the day, the once serene and seemingly sleepy community was transformed into a beehive of activities. The atmosphere was electrified with excitement as the sound of music echoed from different corners of the community. Everywhere was colourful, lively and festive, as men, women, youths and children, young and old, trooped out in large numbers, beautifully adorned in elegant traditional and modern attires.

The favourable weather further added glamour and grace to the occasion, enhancing the beauty and splendour of the event, as the people, stakeholders and visitors savoured every moment of the celebration.

Adding royal splendour to the colourful ceremony was the presence of the Eze of Igburu Clan, Eze Igburu IV of Igburu Land, His Majesty Eze Kenneth Nwabochi, who arrived at the venue in full royal regalia, accompanied by his retinue of chiefs, elders and other palace officials. His presence was a clear testament to the significance of the occasion and underscored the unity and collective resolve of the people to celebrate excellence and service.

One after the other, the award recipients stepped forward amid thunderous applause, cheers and admiration from the audience. These were men and women whose years of dedication, sacrifice and contributions have helped place Ohiauga Community on the map in terms of political relevance, socio-economic growth and self-help-driven development.

Indeed, Ohiauga Community today boasts of notable achievements credited largely to community-based initiatives, including a relatively good road network, stable and uninterrupted electricity supply powered through solar infrastructure, and other basic amenities that have improved the quality of life of its people. The honoured individuals, it was observed, have played significant roles in achieving these milestones, leaving their unmistakable footprints on the community’s development journey.

By honouring them, the community made it clear that the awards were not meant to signal retirement from service, but rather to encourage the recipients to intensify their efforts and continue to give back to their fatherland. Community leaders noted that although progress has been recorded, Ohiauga still faces serious developmental challenges that require sustained commitment and collective action.

Prominent among these challenges is the absence of a functional healthcare facility. The only cottage hospital project in the community, allegedly initiated by Total Energies Limited several years ago, was said to have been abandoned, leaving residents without adequate medical care. The community strongly appealed to the Rivers State Government to intervene and revive the project in the interest of the people.

The education sector was also not spared. The Ohiauga Community Primary School, according to the community, is allegedly in good shape, with a conducive learning environment, but lacks enough classroom teachers, as there is only one government-employed classroom teacher. To fill the void, the community reportedly employed five additional teachers from its meagre resources and currently bears the responsibility of paying their salaries.

These realities, stakeholders explained, provided further justification for the decision to celebrate and honour individuals who have consistently demonstrated commitment to the welfare and development of the community.

Speaking at the ceremony, Chairman of the Organising Committee of the Ohiauga Maiden Leadership Awards, Pastor (Dr) David Chizor Nwaoburu, described the event as a strategic initiative aimed at fostering peace, unity and development, while recognising and rewarding excellence and service.

According to him, the award ceremony was designed to honour eminent personalities who have distinguished themselves in public and private life, and who have continued to make meaningful contributions to the growth of Ohiauga Community.

Dr Nwaoburu, who was himself among the award recipients, said the recognition was intended to motivate the honourees to do more for the community and not to rest on their achievements. He urged them to continue to serve the interests of the people wherever they find themselves and to remain ambassadors of peace and development.

He further reiterated the need for government intervention in the abandoned cottage hospital project and the posting of teachers to the primary school by the state government, stressing that community development in Ohiauga has largely been driven by self-help efforts.

Among those honoured at the event were Pastor (Dr) David Chizor Nwaoburu; former Bursar of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Dr Davis Ojima; the Registrar of the institution, Dr Chinonye A. Ajie; Dr Obi Chukwuma Ebenezer Jular; Elder Kemmer Mark Godwin; Dr Nwokoji Chukwuemeka; Mr Nduka Louis Odiegba; Dr (Chief) (Mrs) Ojima; Comrade Chimezie Igwela; Engr Gideon Eke; Chief (Prof) H. A. Ajie; Hon. Sule Igwela; and Dr Obi Nwaoburu.

Others included Prof. (Mrs) Jennifer Igwela; Dr Charity Ajie; Eric David Orukwo; the Paramount Ruler of Ohiauga Community, HRH Dr Amb. Bright Abali; Mr Chukwudi Lloyd Reuben; Comrade Wisdom Adieme; and the member representing ONELGA Constituency I in the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Uchenna Nwabochi.

Also recognised were Comrade Kelvin London Oji; Pastor Smart Brass Maduagu; Chief (Hon.) K. O. Igwela; Harmony Igwela; Comrade Onyemaobi Igwela; and Late Elder Nwaba Maduagu, who received a posthumous award in recognition of his lifetime contributions to the community.

The four non-indigenes honoured for their dedicated services and goodwill towards the community were Hon. Marculey Ogolo; Hon. ThankGod Chibor; Comrade Kingsley Ogu; and Pastor G. Oreke, who was specially recognised as the only dedicated government classroom teacher at Ohiauga Community Primary School.

Reacting to the honour, the Registrar of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Dr Chinonye A. Ajie, described the award as a step in the right direction and a thoughtful gesture that encourages service and excellence. He called for harmonious relationships among all segments of the community and pledged his continued support towards education, job creation and collective development.

Former Bursar of the university, Dr Davis Ojima, also expressed gratitude to the community for recognising his contributions, assuring that he would remain committed to promoting peace, unity and sustainable development initiatives in Ohiauga.

Business mogul, Mr Nduka Louis Odiegba, said being honoured by one’s own community carries special significance, describing the recognition as the most cherished among the many awards he has received. He pledged to intensify his contributions to the welfare and development of the people, noting that “charity must begin at home.”

In his royal remarks, the Eze of Igburu Clan, His Majesty Eze Kenneth Nwabochi, emphasised the importance of peace, unity and the preservation of cultural values, describing the maiden Ohiauga Leadership Awards as a timely initiative aimed at strengthening communal bonds and fostering collective progress.

Giving the vote of thanks on behalf of the awardees, Mr Chukwudi Lloyd Reuben, thanked the community for finding them worthy of recognition, and commended the leadership and merit award committee for the excellent packaging of the programme. He urged the awardees to continue with their good work to the community, as the merit awards were a clarion call for more community development involvement and a wake up call for others to emulate the leadership qualities exhibited by the awardees.

Overall, the maiden Ohiauga Leadership Awards ceremony lived up to its billing, serving not only as a platform to celebrate excellence and service but also as a rallying point for renewed commitment to the development of the community, amid resounding jubilation, merriment and cultural pride.