Rivers

Eleme Stakeholders Demand Lasting, Improved Electricity Supply

Published

5 years ago

November 6, 2020

Stakeholders in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, have met with the management of Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHEDC) over sundry issues bedevilling electricity supply in the area, insisting that Eleme must have improved power supply with installed prepaid meters in the area.
In his remarks, the Regional Manager of Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company, Mr Blessing Ogbe, said the management was ready to work with the LGA to ensure improved power supply in the area.
Ogbe noted that there had been long standing issues in the power sector including infrastructural defect, debt profile and other challenges and all that has remained a problem to the company and consumers alike.
He hailed the efforts and commitment of the Chairman of Eleme LGA for constantly working with successive management in making effective their work and improving power supply in the area with provision of transformers, armoured cables, electric poles, logistics support and funding encouragement.
He also lauded the Chairman for applying for the distribution of 10,000 metres for the people of Eleme and agreeing to pay certain percentage in order to reduce the cost of the metres.
Calling on the people to meet expectations especially the payment of bills, he clarified claims that the “Free” Prepaid meters being distributed by the federal government is not totally free but a soft loan initiative headed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) that will be paid overtime by consumers.
He called for more interaction between the electricity operators and the leaders of Eleme LGA.
The Stakeholders who drilled the management of the electricity distribution company with questions on pressing issues including debt profile and reconciliation, infrastructural defect, company staff recruitment and other issues also vehemently rejected the claim that Eleme is in anyway indebted to the electricity operators.
The stakeholders all said prepaid meters remained the best for consumers as it eliminates the issue of estimated billing and make more transparent the business transaction between both parties.
They hailed the Executive Chairman for the initiative to canvas the people, avail subsidy for the proposed prepaid meters, the provision of electricity facilities and availing the needed support for electricity operators.
In the meantime the Executive Chairman of Eleme LGA, Hon. Philip Okparaji, has stated that he was willing to do everything to ensure Eleme has constant electricity.
Barr Philip who maintained that the rural electrification project was a task for all Eleme people called on the people to support the initiative.
He said there will be more meetings and the resolutions from all meetings will be implemented to the letter.

Rivers

100 Days: UPTH CMD Harps On Brain Drain, Anti-Corruption

Published

3 days ago

April 20, 2026

The Tide

The Chief Medical Director of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), Prof. Chituru Godswill Orluwene, has identified brain drain and corruption as critical challenges confronting Nigeria’s health sector.

Orluwene, who made this known during a press briefing to mark his first 100 days in office, in Choba, declared that his administration is tackling both issues headlong as part of efforts to reposition the institution.

He noted that the stewardship session was aimed at rendering account of his leadership and setting a transparent benchmark for performance going forward.

“This 100 days is to render stewardship and give account of our activities, while we tackle corruption headlong within the system”, he said.

Addressing concerns over the exodus of medical professionals, the CMD said, poor working conditions have contributed significantly to brain drain, but that ongoing reforms are beginning to address these challenges.

He expressed optimism in the efforts of the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, adding that, Government is repositioning the health sector, especially in remuneration and infrastructure.

On corruption, Prof. Orluwene stressed, “We have taken decisive steps to block all financial leakages and ensure accountability in our operations.”

He disclosed that a staff verification exercise exposed irregularities, stating that “Out of over 4,000 staff on the payroll, only about 2,000 presented themselves for verification.

“As a result, over 1,000 salaries have been stopped due to discrepancies identified during the exercise.”

Highlighting policy reforms, the CMD said, feeding of patients has now been standardized at ?5,000 for three meals, while other charges have been reviewed downward.

On infrastructure, he said “The Accident and Emergency Department was in a poor state before, but today it has undergone massive renovation.”

Speaking on power supply, he revealed: “With the solar power project on ground, UPTH will soon enjoy 24-hour electricity supply. Our goal is to make UPTH a hub for medical tourism in the near future.”

By: King Onunwor

Rivers

Social Welfare Ministry Accepts UNIPORT’s Training, Vulnerable Database Proposal

Published

3 days ago

April 20, 2026

The Tide

The Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation has revealed that it will consider new proposals by the University of Port Harcourt to engage its staff on refresher training and a state-wide database initiative for vulnerable persons, to ensure efficient service delivery and data-driven planning in the state.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Lauretta Davies-Dimpka, disclosed this when she received a delegation from the University of Port Harcourt, led by a Professor of Social Work and Community Development, Prof. Daniel Uranta, which also include some of his PhD students, during a courtesy visit to her office, Friday.

She described the visit as “timely to get our staff up to speed regarding current standards in social work practice”, and assured the visiting team that their proposals, including a one-month certificate programme for staff and a Child Rights Implementation/Enforcement Committee, would be reviewed.

She added that the ministry’s doors are open for collaboration and partnership, noting that with collaborative effort, social work will achieve greater impact and professionalism in the state.

Earlier, Prof. Uranta said the visit was to formally introduce himself and seek collaboration to strengthen the existing partnership between the university and the ministry.

He proposed four key areas of cooperation: refresher training for ministry staff, a one-month certificate programme on social work for staff, development of a state-wide database for vulnerable persons across the 23 Local Government Areas of the state, and strengthening of a Child Rights Implementation/Enforcement Committee.

The UNIPORT Professor noted that the proposals are aimed at improving case management and welfare response across the state.

The courtesy visit ended on a cordial note, with both parties expressing willingness to collaborate and review the proposals.

Rivers

Ogoloma Fishermen Association Laud Okrika Chair On Grassroots Dev

Published

3 days ago

April 20, 2026

The Tide

The Fishermen Association of Ogoloma Community has commended the Executive Chairman of Okrika Local Government Council, Chief Hon. Akuro Alfred Tobin, for his commitment to grassroots development and the empowerment of local fishermen.

The Association made the commendstion during a courtesy “thank-you” visit by members of the association to the council chairman, following the distribution of fishing equipment aimed at boosting productivity and livelihoods within the riverine community.

Speaking during the visit, Chief Tobin expressed gratitude to the fishermen for their show of appreciation, noting that their success remains a top priority of his administration.

He stated that the empowerment initiative through the provision of fishing canoes, nets, and hooks was designed to enhance economic activities and improve living standards in Ogoloma and other parts of Okrika.

“I am encouraged by your visit and your progress so far. This administration is committed to supporting our local fishermen to thrive. There will be a second phase of the human capital development programme, and we will do even more to uplift the fishing community,” the Chairman assured.

The Chairman reiterated his administration’s dedication to inclusive development, stressing that empowering local industries such as fishing is key to sustainable economic growth in the region.

Responding on behalf of the Association, its spokesperson, Elder Kaizer Kiniminabo, conveyed heartfelt appreciation to the council boss.

He acknowledged the impact of the empowerment programme on the fishermen’s productivity and welfare.

“On behalf of our matron, Hon. Linda Stewart Somiari, and Hon. Royal Ateke, we express our sincere gratitude to the Executive Chairman for his magnanimity and commitment to the well-being of fishermen in Ogoloma. We pray for the continued success of his administration,” Kiniminabo stated.

As a token of appreciation, the association presented gifts, including dry fish and other locally sourced items to the chairman, symbolizing their gratitude and support.

The visit highlights the growing collaboration between local authorities and community stakeholders in fostering development and economic empowerment across Okrika Local Government Area.

By: Michael T. Abraham