Niger Delta
Monarch Decries Dearth Of Values, Culture In Communities …Lauds Wike On ‘Operation Sting’

A monarch and Paramount Ruler of Okori in Eleme Kingdom, Rivers State, HRH. Appolus Chu has decried the dearth of values and culture in communities, saying it as a source of insecurity; just as he commended Governor Nyesom Wike for the recent launch of ‘Operation Sting’.
Chu who stated this during a traditional festival of the Eleme people called ‘Ogbon-ja’ meaning coming together and eating together held in his compound in Eleme, explained that exposure to western civilization have somewhat made the people to forget some aspects of their culture; noting that any society without custom and tradition was bound to experience crisis.
“The way we eat, dress and coordinate ourselves, even the way we do our intelligence gather and security protection is different from the western world. In Nigeria we have a constitution that guides us a people. Even corporate establishments and religious bodies do have rules. I believe that because we have neglected what our values stand for. That sense and value of morality that checkmates us is dying.
“Otherwise, when one think of the consequences for you and your family, it translate into morality. And where there is strong morality, there will be harmony, love, unity and development in any society. But we are in trouble because many things are going wrong in our communities. The Eleme man is very proud. Even our language and our dressing is going.
“We (Eleme people) don’t even know ourselves anymore. I find out that this disregard for custom and culture is one of the major source of insecurity in our environment because that custom that checkmate us and bring us together are being forgotten,” he said.
“Like what you are seeing today, there are many faces that have not seeing themselves for ten years or more. But this reunion ‘Ogbon-ja’ means coming together and eating together. If our forefathers can set this kind of platform, this kind of programme and we enjoyed it. Personally I think I witnessed this even when I was about ten years old, “Chu who is the Egbere Emere 1, Okori in Eleme Kingdom stated.
He further said, “So I conceive a thought that let me revive it (Ogbon’ja). Then let us go back to where we come from. Our custom, our culture is our identity that makes us different from the other kingdom. As a traditional ruler and as a king my primary duty is to promote the custom and the culture of the people and maintain peace in my domain. I promise to always do that.”
Asked how he brought the various communities together, he said, “Every kingdom must have a leader, and the leader they will choose is a leader they have value and respect for. Any king that has no influence over his people cannot achieve anything. So the beauty of a kingship is the influence you have over your subjects.
“And you can only have influence over your subjects when you have a very high level of discipline. Any king that lost loyalty from his subjects is becoming a ceremonial king. And when you are a ceremonial king, government will not enjoy you. Because when they communities go into a level of restiveness, government want to count on the king. And the king is one that can call the people to order,” he said.
He commended the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom WIke for his outstanding efforts in developing the state and also lauded him for continually interacting with monarchs across the state, saying it is a noble step that will constantly remind them of their roles, especially in terms of ensuring that peace reigns in ‘our various communities at all times.
Dennis Naku
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.
Niger Delta
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