Niger Delta
Group Seeks Media Synergy To Dev Ogoni
The National Coordinator, Ken Saro-Wiwa Associates, Chief Gani Topba has solicited the collaboration of journalists of Ogoni extraction in efforts to achieve the goals, dreams and vision of the founding father of the Ogoni struggle, late Kenule Beenson Saro-Wiwa.
Topba made the appeal during a media interactive forum he organised to meet with members of Ogoni Journalists Platform (OJP) at Nana’s Place, Port Harcourt, last Friday.
He explained that the media has been a veritable tool to drive home the sincere demand of the people, emphasizing the need for Ken Saro-Wiwa’s Associates to partner with Ogoni Journalists Platform to achieve set targets.
He noted that through the media, the Ogoni founding father, late Kenule Saro-Wiwa was able to place the Ogoni struggle on the international stage, adding that it was also through the media that the Ken Saro-Wiwa Associates would actualise its set objectives.
Topba pleaded with those working in the media houses to always cross-check their facts before publication, adding that some publications done against the Ogoni people were mere propaganda that were capable of creating confusion, misunderstanding and disagreements among the people of Ogoni.
The national coordinator told all stakeholders that it was time for everyone to work together in order to build a new Ogoni.
He expressed dismay at the activities of some groups in Ogoniland, who he alleged induce people to take over oil production in Ogoniland, adding that the group would continue to resist all the oil companies until they come to terms with the Ogoni people.
The human rights advocate alleged that an oil company, Robo Michael was given license by the government to resume operation in Ogoniland, but was reversed after much pressure from the group.
Topba also alleged that the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) being laid by the Shell Petroleum Development Company was a strategy to do distant oil drilling, adding that Ogoni people would resist Shell’s illegal activities until they apologised to Ogoni people over their purported role in the death of Ken Saro-Wiwa.
“Why did Shell renew the OML 11 (Ogoni Oil Field) licence in October, 2017, if they were not interested in coming back to Ogoniland? Here, I have made photocopies of Shell’s application to renew oil mining leases (OMLs) with the headline: Lease Renewal Request For Oil Mining Leases 11, 17, 20, 21, 22, 23, 25, 27, 28, 31, 32, 33, 35, 36, 43, 45 and 46. Can a tenant who is no longer interested in a house write to renew his tenancy?”
He called on leaders of other groups in Ogoniland ranging from MOSOP, KAGOTE, political leaders, traditional rulers, among others, to give their scorecard and stewardship to the Ogoni people.
Topba also called for the removal of first class traditional rulers in Ogoni, who were not able to settle down in their villages, adding that they cannot maintain peace and order in their villages while they stay away in Port Harcourt.
He also urged the Federal Government to sack the Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr Ibe Kachukwu for giving the Ogoni people a national insult by saying that Kenule Beenson Saro-Wiwa and the others that died with him were not enough reason to stop oil exploration.
Susan Serekara-Nwikhana
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.