News
Rivers Pipeline Explosion Death Toll Hits 46 …LG Boss Sets Up C’ttee
The death toll from last Saturday’s pipeline explosion in Kom Kom community, Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State has risen to 46, even as the community has begun profiling victims.
The Tide gathered reliably that three more corpses were removed from the scene of the unfortunate incident, last Wednesday, bringing the number of dead victims to 43.
Leader of the youths evacuating the corpses, Ethel Wokobia told newsmen that the three more corpses were recovered, last Wednesday evening, even as he said bodies were still trapped in the swamp.
He further said that they had informed those whose family members were still missing to check the swamp for possible identification and recovery.
Neither the police nor any agency of government is yet to make known the official casualty figure; though a team of four youths evacuating the corpses gave figures daily, based on their recovery efforts.
However, a register for families who lost loved ones in the incident has been opened in the community, as residents are expected to write their names and the number of their family members missing.
The Tide reports that as at Wednesday, no fewer than 26 families have written their names, with victims numbering 29.
Meanwhile, the Oyigbo Local Government Council Chairman, Hon Gerald Oforji has set up a five-man probe committee to ascertain the causes of the explosion.
Offorji, who inaugurated the committee at the council headquarters in Okoloma-Afam, described the explosion as one of the worst incidents in the area.
The LG chairman, who said that the incident had caused untold hardship on the people, also called for compensation for the families of the victims.
Responding on behalf of the committee, Hon Ndubuisi Okere, assured that the committee would never fail to deliver on their task, saying, “We will work as a team to deliver in the interest of Oyigbo”.
In a related development, the Oyigbo Local Government Council Chairman, Hon Gerald Oforji has said that the youths were losing patience over the deplorable condition of Afam-Obete Road, which, according to him, was a Federal Government road.
Oforji said this, yesterday, at the council hall during a meeting with security heads, traditional rulers, CDCs, youths and women leaders, and all key stakeholders in the LGA.
He decried the alleged negligence on the part of Federal Government having written series of letters on the said road.
“A council that produces over 20 per cent of the nation’s economy should not be allowed to suffer untold hardship. Afam-Obete road cannot be built by the council or state. It is Federal Government road as such we expect the needful to be done on the road”, he said, adding that the security meeting was in consonance with the directive of the State Chief Executive to ensure peaceful environment.
John Bibor & Dennis Naku
The 2025 annual general meeting (AGM) and conference of the Rivers/Bayelsa states chapter of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has come to a close with a strong call for both states to drive the blue economy.
The communique just issued after the AGM pointed to what it called emerging prospects in fish processing, seaweed cultivation, ship repair, and marine technology.
The communique which also mentioned human capital gaps that must be filled through technical and vocational training that are aligned with modern industrial needs, said the blue economy represents a viable pathway for Nigeria’s industrialisation.
It said MAN and Arican Marine Environment Sustainability Initiative (AFMESI) have the capacity to unlock Nigeria’s blue economy sustainably and inclusively, but said the region required dedicated infrastructure upgrades, including roads, waterways, and power.
The communique was signed by Vincent Okuku (Chairman of Rivers/Bayelsa States Branch); Michael Nosa Agana (Branch Vice Chairman/Chairman AGM planning Committee); and Chibuzor Eze (Executive Secretary, Rivers/Bayelsa States Branch).
The resolutions said the future of the Niger Delta economy lies in diversification rather than dependence on extractive industries. “Technology and innovation, value addition and local processing, strategic infrastructure, and a skilled workforce are essential pillars for the future of manufacturing in the region.
“Governments in the region must intensify support for manufacturing activities. Various forms of collaboration across sectors should be actively encouraged.”
It specifically advised Bayelsa and Rivers States to fully develop and harness the blue economy as strategic gateways for sustainable growth; and called for cross-border partnerships with neighbouring states to enhance trade, security, and environmental management.”
The Rivers/Bayelsa States branch of MAN held its first (41st) AGM outside Port Harcourt for the first time, hosted by Bayelsa State Government at the Chief D.S.P. Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall, with the theme: ‘Trade, Technology, and the Future of Manufacturing in the Niger Delta.’
In his welcome address, the chairman of the branch, Okuku, commended the Bayelsa State Government under the leadership of Gov Douye Diri for its efforts in industrial development, investment promotion, and strong partnership with the private sector.
He also acknowledged the Rivers State Government for its commitment to rehabilitating industrial clusters, improving access roads, and delivering key infrastructure.
He, however, expressed concern over persistent challenges such as high energy costs, unreliable electricity supply, weak transport systems, rising logistics expenses, multiple taxes and levies, inconsistent regulatory frameworks, and pressure from host communities, which continue to hinder manufacturing growth in both states.
The President of MAN, Francis Meshioye, noted that the Niger Delta, with its abundant resources and strategic location, holds vast potential for industrial expansion. He called for policy frameworks that promote local manufacturing, enhance trade, and attract investments to the region.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Minister of the Federal Ministry of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, represented by Wasa Festus, Director of Community Development and Education. Another goodwill message was also presented by the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Trade, Industry and Investment, Ebieri Jones.
In his remarks, Gov Diri praised MAN for its contributions to Nigeria’s manufacturing sector, noting its resilience, innovation, and strategic role in national development. He stated that the conference theme aligns with his administration’s mantra of “Assured Prosperity.”
Gov Diri offered 24-hour service to manufacturers wishing to relocate to the state, and highlighted the State’s ongoing transformation through deliberate investment in infrastructure, security, and human capital aimed at positioning Bayelsa State as a hub for industrial growth, particularly in the blue economy, agriculture, and manufacturing.
He further noted that hosting the 41st AGM fulfilled a long-desired aspiration of the State following the successful 2024 MAN event in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. He officially declared the exhibition open.
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund has alerted the public to a fraudulent message circulating online, claiming that the NELFUND Student Loan Registration Portal is open.
The message directs applicants to a third-party link (http://gvly.xyz/Nelfund-Student-Loan, which NELFUND confirms is unauthorised and fraudulent.
In a post obtained from its X handle, yesterday, NELFUND urged students and the general public not to click on the link or provide any personal information, emphasising that the official loan registration portal is only accessible through the Fund’s verified channels.
The agency reminded applicants to exercise caution online and to report any suspicious links or communications claiming to be from NELFUND.
“Applicants are encouraged to always verify official announcements via NELFUND’s official website and social media channels,” NELFUND said.
This advisory comes as part of NELFUND’s ongoing efforts to safeguard students and ensure the integrity of the student loan application process.
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