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Community Protests Firm’s Alleged Marginalisation

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The Finima Renaissance in Bonny Local Government Area says Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited has done little or nothing for its host community.
A statement signed by the convener of the group, Samuel Brown alleged that since the inception of the NLNG, the company had taken the people for granted judging from its posture and utter neglect of host landlords, even when the community sacrificed by relocating so that the NLNG could be built, while the community will host the newly awarded Train 7 that was recently given to a consortium of SCD JV.
The statement also called on the Federal Government, French and Italian Republics, English and Dutch Governments, the State Government, National Assembly, diplomatic corps, among others to call them to order, adding that the community has suffered untold hardship from the company.
The Group expressed dissatisfaction over the step taken by NLNG to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) for land they occupy without payment of a single compensation to the landlord families since the inception of the company over twenty years ago.
The statement called on the management of the NLNG to borrow a leaf from Indorama Eleme Petrochemicals Limited that encouraged its host community to set up an investment company to manage dividends accruing from the company to the people.
“We wish to draw the attention of the entire world, particularly that of the Federal Government of Nigeria, French and Italian Republics, English and Dutch Governments, Rivers State Government, National Assembly, diplomatic corps, among others to the unbecoming and wicked attitude of the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited.
“Since the inception of the NLNG, the company has done little or nothing to its wholly host community of Finima, that was sacrificially relocated so that the NLNG could be built, just as the community will host the newly awarded Train 7 that was recently given to a consortium of SCD JV.
“It will be of interest to note that the good people of Finima have been very peaceful and cooperative, preferring to seek attention through dialogue and decent engagement with the management of NLNG. However, it is obvious that the company has taken the people for granted judging from its posture and utter neglect of its very own host landlords.
“It is a shame that the NLNG cannot boast of any meaningful project in Finima, neither can the company show any concrete evidence that it has given employment to the vast teeming youth of the community, while participation in the management level is a dream.
“We have been reliably informed that NLNG Limited has gone behind the host community to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) for lands for which they occupy and for which they have not paid a single compensation to the landlord families since the inception of the company over twenty years ago,” the statement said.

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Rivers

Expert Demands Full Implementation Of PIA In N’Delta Oil Communities 

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An expert in Natural Resource Governance, Dr. Mike Uzoigwe, has called for the full implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) for the development of oil communities in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria.
Uzoigwe made the appeal during a training for community representatives under the Host Community Development Trust (HCDT), held in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
He noted that five years after the PIA was enacted, funding under the HCDT framework for member communities had yet to be fully implemented.
He attributed the slow pace of implementation to oil companies’ failure to remit funds, ongoing litigations, internal community disputes, and regulatory challenges, among other factors.
According to him, these challenges have made it difficult to properly assess the effectiveness of HCDT implementation in host communities.
Uzoigwe also expressed concern that several communities were yet to establish HCDTs, which are essential for accessing funds designated for local development.
“Fortunately, there are communities that have successfully leveraged the HCDT to advance development in their localities.
“However, we want every host community to access these funds to accelerate development in their respective areas and contribute to the broader transformation of the Niger Delta”, he stated.
Uzoigwe urged host communities to familiarise themselves with the provisions and regulations of the PIA to enable them to fully benefit from the Act.
Also speaking, the Executive Director of Kebetkache Development and Resource Centre, Dr. Emem Okon, explained that the training was organised for HCDT communities in Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, Imo, and Rivers States.
According to her, the objective of the training was to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand the PIA’s provisions, conduct needs assessments and undertake community development planning.
“We examined how the HCDT can be made effective and efficient in utilising the three per cent operational cost allocation for community development projects, as stipulated in the PIA.
“This allocation is structured as follows: 75 per cent for project execution, 20 per cent for savings, and five per cent for administrative costs.
“HCDT members are responsible for identifying and prioritising community needs through a transparent, sincere, and people-centred decision-making process in managing these funds”, Okon explained.
She encouraged host communities to engage actively with various stakeholders, including women, youth, farmers, and community leaders, to identify development projects that reflect the genuine needs of their communities.
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Rivers

Opobo/Nkoro SOLAD Pledges To Prioritise Workers’ Welfare 

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The Sole Administrator of Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area of Rivers State, Mr. Frederick Apiafi, says he will run an all-inclusive government for the betterment of the local government.
He stated that his priority is workers’ welfare in all ramifications and the good people of the area.
Apiafi stated this recently while addressing workers at the council’s headquarters in Opobo, saying that his direct mandate is to ensure that the existing peace is sustained.
According to him,  he is a technocrat, hence he will carry out his functions accordingly.
“Thank you all for welcoming me as your administrator. My mandate here is to ensure that you, workers, are well treated, with your salaries paid promptly, and give you what you deserve.
“You all are my brothers, sisters and friends. I know that together we can take this local government to  an enviable height. What I need from you is cooperation.
“I solicit for your support to enable us all succeed because I alone cannot achieve the desired development”, he urged.
The administrator used the forum to thank the Sole Administrator of the State, Vice – Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.)  for giving him the opportunity to serve his people and pledged that he will not disappoint him in any aspect, while promising to discharge his duties in strict  compliance to the charge of the  Sole Administrator.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) in the LGA, Comrade Diri Dandison, commended the administrator for placing workers’ welfare top on his list.
According to him, what workers want in the LGA is someone who can give them listening ears, and also give them what they deserve.
“I am happy that Mr. Fredrick Apiafi has placed welfare of workers first, but we pray he fullfills his promises. What we want is  for people  at the grassroots to also enjoy  dividends of  governance”, he said.
By: Theresa Frederick, Charity Amiso
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Rivers

Navy Saves 99 Persons From Drowning In Rivers

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The Nigerian Navy Rescue Team from Nigerian Navy Ship PATHFINDER have saved 99 persons from drowning in Rivers State during an operation.
A statement by the Director of Naval Information, Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, in Port Harcourt, said the incident occurred when a barge, ADAM (Damen Buba) was involved in a head-on collision with a market boat en route Akuku Toru Local Government Area in Rivers State, resulting in significant structural damage to the market boat.
He said the Nigerian Navy Ship PATHFINDER personnel deployed to Naval Security Station 035 in collaboration with four other Navy Gunboats launched a coordinated and effective search and rescue operation, saving all 99 passengers onboard.
According to him, most of the passengers’ goods were also salvaged successfully.
“The timely intervention and prompt response of Nigerian Navy personnel ensured that no lives were lost and most of the valuable properties were preserved.
“The Nigerian Navy hereby restates that under the leadership of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, the service will continue to ensure the security and safety of all legitimate sea farers within Nigeria’s maritime domain”, Adams Aliu said.
By: Theresa Frederick, Charity Amiso
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