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Elelenwo People Honour Wike Over Dev Projects Delivery

Leaders and people of Elelenwo community in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, last Saturday, conferred on Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, the title: “Eze Omekweli Kimbom of Elelenwo”.
Roughly translated, the prestigious title means: “A King that develops the land of Elelenwo”.
Speaking during the reception for the governor, Nyeweli of Elelenwo, Eze Sunny Weli Chukwu declared September 14 as Elelenwo Day when the development agenda of Governor Wike for the area would be remembered by the people.
Chukwu said: “Henceforth, September 14 will be celebrated as Elelenwo Day. Each time we celebrate this day, we shall remember Governor Wike for turning around the fortunes of this community”.
Spokesman of Elelenwo community, Chief Collins Amadi, said that the people of Elelenwo community resolved to honour Governor Wike because of commitment to the development of the area.
He said the Rumuokwurusi-Elelenwo-Akpajo Road was a nightmare, which destroyed the economy of the community and led to the closure of businesses.
The monarch explained that by developing a dual carriageway, Wike has revived the Elelenwo community and empowered the people.
Responding, the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike expressed happiness that the people of Elelenwo community have always supported him all through his political career.
“Elelenwo people have always supported my political growth. They have always taken steps to ensure that we make the desired progress. Elelenwo community has great children who are good and committed people”, he said.
He explained that he agreed to accept the chieftaincy as a mark of respect to leaders and people of the area, who stand firm to defend his political progress.
Wike said: “I don’t usually accept chieftaincy titles, but I had to accept that of Elelenwo because of their consistent support”.
In recognition of the support of the Elelenwo community, Wike upgraded the stool of Nyeweli Elelenwo to a second class status.
Wike also granted the request of the community for the construction of a major police station inside the RSTV compound.
The governor reiterated that he would continue to work for the rapid growth of Rivers State.
He said his commitment to the development of Rivers State was his only reward to the people for the continued support.
However, residents of Rumukwurusi, Elelenwo and Akpajo communities in Obio/Akpor and Eleme local government areas, last Saturday, trooped out to celebrate Governor Nyesom Wike for the dualisation of the magnificent 5.6-kilometre Rumukwurusi-Elelenwo–Akpajo Road.
School children, mothers, traders and religious groups lined up the road, singing the praise of Wike, who intervened when the area was cut off from the rest of Rivers State.
Commissioning the road, Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike said many residents of the area would have forgotten the deplorable nature of the road linking the two local government areas.
He said the immediate past administration refused to construct the road because of some prominent Indigenes of the area.
The governor said: “People will easily forget the very deplorable condition of this road before we intervened. Today, Julius Berger through consistent funding by the state government has delivered one of the best qualities of roads.
“The previous administration refused to construct the road because some prominent Elelenwo indigenes lived around here. Specifically, the former Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Iche Ndu and House of Representatives member, Kingsley Chinda”.
He expressed surprise that after the construction of the road, a traditional ruler from the area who thought he would not get re-elected, joined the opposition to play negative politics.
The Rivers State governor formally renamed the Rumukwurusi-Elelenwo–Akpajo Road as Justice Iche Ndu Road in honour of the former chief judge of Rivers State.
In a project description, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Dr Walter Ndu, said the 5.6-kilometre road has five roundabouts and ducts for telecommunication companies to set up their facilities.
In his remarks, Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Hon Solomon Eke, said that the people of the two local government areas were happy with the Rivers State Government for delivering on the project.
Eke said that Eleme and Obio/Akpor local government councils would not allow anyone to throw refuse on the median of the road.
Traditional dance troupes from Eleme and Obio/Akpor LGAs entertained guests at the commissioning programme.
News
Independence Anniversary: Nigeria Is A Failed Grandfather – Monarch
A first class traditional ruler in Rivers State, His Royal Majesty, King Aaron Ikuru, has described Nigeria at 65 as a grandfather who cannot provide leadership to other African Countries.
The monarch stated this in an interview at his palace in Ikuru Town, yesterday.
According to him, Nigeria would have been a developed country to set the pace in the whole of Africa, considering its numerous resources.
“Nigeria is a grandfather but not behaving as a grandfather. Our country, Nigeria, before and from the era of Independence was in the state of becoming a great country, but unfortunately is not becoming anything.
“We should be far ahead with what we have in the country. God blessed us, we have almost what it takes in terms of mineral resources, manpower amongst others that can drive speedy development in the country.
“If we’re able to harness all the things we have, even America by now would have respected us”, he said.
While blaming the past leaders of the country, the monarch called on the current leadership of the country to redouble efforts in order to narrow the differences in terms of development, exchange rate between naira and foreign currencies.
King Ikuru, who is also the Chairman of Andoni Area Traditional Rulers Council, however, lauded the efforts of the founding fathers, past leaders of the country for the achievements so far.
He also expressed optimism that Nigeria would be great, calling on the opinion leaders to shun tribalism and political intolerance in the country.
“If Nigeria should experience rapid development in all sectors, it means we must shun tribalism and political intolerance, the interest of our country must be our priority.
“We need to fight corruption vigorously, and leaders must show good example of discipline and integrity”, he said.
The monarch used the opportunity to wish Nigeria happy independence anniversary.
By: Enoch Epelle
News
FG begins payment of N32,000 pension increment to retirees – PTAD
The Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate has announced the start of implementation of the new pension increments for pensioners under the Defined Benefit Scheme, saying the adjustments will be reflected in the September 2025 payroll cycle.
In a statement signed by Management and posted on its X handle, PTAD said the increase package includes a fixed N32,000 payment alongside percentage increases of 10.66% and 12.95% for eligible categories, which will benefit about 832,000 pensioners under its management.
Recall that PTAD in August announced President Bola Tinubu approved a series of measures, including new welfare benefits for pensioners under DBS.
The approval follows a formal request by PTAD’s Executive Secretary, Tolulope Odunaiya, seeking an emergency budgetary allocation to implement pension reforms and welfare benefits for the scheme’s retirees.
The measures include a N32,000 pension increment, percentage increases for pensioners of defunct and privatised agencies, pension harmonisation for all DBS pensioners, enrolment into the National Health Insurance Scheme, and the settlement of long-standing unfunded pension liabilities.
In a statement yesterday, PTAD said the partial release of N820.188 billion by the Federal Ministry of Finance from the emergency funding has made it possible for pensioners to begin receiving the enhanced payments immediately.
The statement read, “Further to the President’s approval of the emergency budgetary allocation for the payment of the new pension increment rates for Pensioners under the Defined Benefit Pension Scheme (DBS) that was earlier published by the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate on Friday, 8th August, 2025, the Directorate is delighted to announce the commencement of the implementation of the 832,000, 10.66% and 12.95% pension increment for eligible pensioners under the management of PTAD, in the September 2025 pension payroll cycle.
“This achievement has been made possible through the partial release of 820.188 billion by the Federal Ministry of Finance, from the initial 845 billion emergency funding approval granted by the Federal Government.
“This milestone clearly reaffirms the Federal Government’s dedication to safeguarding the welfare and entitlements of DBS Pensioners in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.”
The directorate thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the emergency allocation.
It also acknowledged the role of the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun; the Minister of State for Finance, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite; the Accountant-General of the Federation and key presidential aides and parliamentary committees for their “timely interventions” and support.
The statement also expressed appreciation to organised pension groups, including the Nigeria Union of Pensioners and the Federal Parastatals and Private Sector Pensioners Association of Nigeria, for their cooperation during negotiations and implementation planning.
“We further assure all our DBS Pensioners and Stakeholders that the Directorate will continue to collaborate with the relevant authorities towards release of the outstanding approved funds and subsequent fulfilment of all future obligations relating to the pension increments and the landmark reforms,” the statement added.
The DBS covers pensioners who retired before the introduction of the Contributory Pension Scheme in 2004, including those from defunct public institutions, privatised agencies, and treasury-funded parastatals.
Over the years, many have faced irregular payments, delayed harmonisation, and inadequate healthcare access, challenges that the new reforms are expected to address.
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Nigeria At 65: NOA urges citizens to foster unity, progress
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has urged Nigeria. citizens to remain united, peaceful to enhance development of the nation as it celebrates 65th independence anniversary.
Mr Mkpoutom Mkpoutom, Director of NOA in Akwa Ibom, gave the charge in Uyo yesterday while addressing newsmen and stakeholders to mark the anniversary.
Mkpoutom said it was essential to recognise that the strength of Nigeria lay in its diversity
“With over 250 ethnic groups and an array of languages, the nation embodies a unique blend of heritage.
“This diversity should be seen not as a dividing line but as a unifying force that propels the country toward progress.
“As Akwa Ibom embarks on another year, it is crucial for all citizens to foster a sense of unity and shared purpose.
“Embrace dialogue, understanding and collaborate with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu in its efforts to addressing pressing challenges like poverty, security, education, and healthcare, thereby paving way for a brighter future for all.”
The state director, however, appealed to Nigerians from all walks of life to renew their commitment to a more prosperous, peaceful, and equitable nation.
“Let this anniversary serve as a reminder of the collective strength that lies in every citizen,” he said.
He urged everyone to contribute positively to the development of a better society.
Mkpoutom urged the people and all citizens to honour the labours of heroes past, as they celebrated the present, while working diligently toward a future filled with hope and opportunities for generations to come.
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