Business
PH Residents Cry Out Over Abandoned Vehicles
Some residents of Port
Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, have condemned the indiscriminate abandonment of vehicles on major roads and streets of the city.
Some residents who made the condemnation in a chat with The Tide in Port Harcourt recently said such abandoned vehicles caused traffic obstructions and as well as constitute hideouts for criminals and lunatics who unleash mayhem on unsuspecting passers-by.
According to them, the state government and other relevant authorities should take proactive measures in ensuring that the roads and streets are rid of such vehicles in order to encourage free flow of traffic and rid the city of other criminal activities.
They lamented that in some areas abandoned vehicles included trucks, tankers and trailers, adding that they portend great danger even at nights and harped on the need for urgent attention.
The residents also condemned the use of rickety vehicles by some drivers and even companies, saying that they often broke down on the road, thereby causing danger to motorists and other road users.
A resident, Mr Cambell Opii, said it is dishear tening that some owners of vehicles deliberately abandoned them on the roads without finding ways of removing them, and insisted that such habit should be resisted by relevant authorities.
Another resident, Ezekiel Tuborkombia also said it is an eyesore that people abandoned their broken down vehicles for a long time on the road, which had now become a criminal he-out or cause nuisance on the road, and called for appropriate sanction in order to serve as deterrant to others.
Also condemning the act, Mrs. Gladys Apollos lamented that some vehicles were abandoned on major roads and streets without any caution sign to warn on-coming vehicles, thereby posing great danger to all road users in the area.
In his reaction, Emeka Chigozie said the act of abandoning vehicles on the road was alarming because they congest the road. He called on the authorities to swing into action now that the city had been given a face-lift following the massive road constructions and rehabilitations in the state.
Ada Epelle called for urgent steps to rid the streets of abandoned vehicles, which she said is defacing the beauty of the city, pointing out that government should remove them to a particular site or auction them since the owners have abandoned them for a long period of time.
Nkpemenyie Mcdominic
Reports say that the training is designed to equip youths with practical technical skills for employment in the oil and gas and construction sectors, with emphasis on employability, safety, competence and self reliance.
In attendance at the flag-off ceremony this week, at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) Conference Hall, Effurun, were stakeholders, dignitaries, and political representatives, among others.
Dafinone, represented by his Chief of Staff, Adelabu Bodjor, said the initiative reflects a deliberate political investment in human capital development across Delta Central.
He explained that the training focuses on rigging and scaffolding, noting that “both are essential technical competencies required in industrial operations, construction projects, and oil and gas installations”.
Bodjor added, “The programme is intended to reduce dependency among youths by providing job-ready skills capable of supporting long-term economic opportunities and self-sufficiency. The initiative aligns with Senator Dafinone’s broader development agenda, which prioritises practical skill acquisition as a pathway to sustainable empowerment.”
Also addressing the participants, the NCDMB, Felix Omatsola Ogbe, represented by Mr. Teddy Bai, commended Dafinone for sponsoring the programme, describing it as “a timely response to critical manpower gaps in the industry”.
Bai explained that rigging and scaffolding remain safety-sensitive skills required across fabrication yards, offshore platforms, and construction sites, stressing that the programme bridges the gap between certification and practical competence.
He also charged the training consultant, OROH Contractors Limited, to maintain strict standards of professionalism, safety, and discipline, while urging participants to remain committed, focused, and disciplined throughout the exercise.
The Senate Liaison Officer for Sapele Local Government Area, Chief Patrick Akamuvba, , described the programme as a major step in strengthening human capital development in Delta Central.
Akamuvba said scaffolding and rigging skills are in high demand across residential, commercial, and industrial construction projects, noting that the training offers real employment opportunities for beneficiaries
He urged participants to prioritise knowledge and certification over short-term material expectations, stressing that discipline and seriousness would determine their long-term success.
He also cautioned youths against social vices and distractions, advising them to remain focused to maximise the opportunities provided by the programme.
