Rivers

Philanthropist Commits To Youth Dev

Published

4 years ago

March 29, 2021

A week long athletic activities sponsored by Dr. Bernard and Friends Foundation (DEBAFF) which started with a colloquium has ended Saturday at Ahoada, in Ahoada East Local Government Area of the State with a clarion call on youths to embrace sports as a means of livelihood.
The tournament tagged: 2021 Ekpeye Youth Grassroots Mixed Martial Arts Championship and Empowerment Programme featured judo, mix martial arts, Ekpeye traditional wrestling, Ijaw traditional wrestling, Ekpeye cultural procession (the conquest of the Ikpachors), and visits to Ahoada Correctional Centre.
Addressing the crowd, High Chief Ebere Bernard, founder of the DEBAFF, a non governmental organisation (NGO) remarked that as a philanthropist, he was poised to change the youths from street urchins to athletes to better their lots.
The Ekpeye born mix martial artist noted that mix martial arts was used as a tool to teach real life winning skills like dedication, discipline, respect, humility and hard work.
DEBAFF director said among other things that he decided to spice up the athletic competition with the Ekpeye cultural procession to reminiscence the warrior nature of his ancestor Akalaka whose descendants were (Ekpeye – Ubie ) axis of Ekpeye kingdom in olden days.
While he donated cash materials, and pro bono lawyer for the inmates, he warned the prisoners not to only turn a new a leaf, but to engage in sports which could transform them and their economic upliftment.
Also speaking, Chief Coach, Sports Institute, University of Port Harcourt, Mr. Godpower Geoffrey said, “Judo which means gentle way in Japanese, is a martial arts created in Japan by Jigoro Kano in 1882”. He therefore urged the participants and the youths to embrace it as well as to play by the rules.
Meanwhile, speakers during the colloquium held Monday at the Conference Hall Of Ahoada East Local Government Council with the theme: “Repositioning and Empowering of Ekpeye Youth for Global Impact included Dr. Bernard who lectured on “Ekpeye the land between two Rivers: A pathetic story of poverty in abundance of resources”, while Chukwumerijie Mwanekezie-phil and Chinotu F. George spoke on “Information: A Global Leverage for Achievement in Academic”, and Rule 7 of Jordan Peterson’s 12 rules for life: pursue what is meaningful and not what is expedient.
However, Chairman Ekpeye Council of Traditional Rulers and Chiefs, Eze Ikaki S. Ikaki, poured encomium on the host; noting that Dr. Bernard has done so great for the people of Ekpeye land.
Promising that traditional rulers in Ekpeye land would make it possible for companies operating in the land to partner with DEBAFF to bring in sustainable peace, growth and development.
In his vote of thanks, Chief Lamai Oduevho of Osakhu clan of Avhiawun kingdom of Edo State commended the donor for his magnanimity.

By: Emenike Agimo

Rivers

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

Published

12 hours ago

May 12, 2025

The Tide

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.

Rivers

Opobo/Nkoro SOLAD Pledges To Prioritise Workers’ Welfare

Published

12 hours ago

May 12, 2025

The Tide

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

Rivers

Navy Saves 99 Persons From Drowning In Rivers

Published

12 hours ago

May 12, 2025

The Tide

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