Rivers

RSG Upgrades Bille Traditional Stool To Second Class

Published

4 years ago

April 5, 2021

The State Government has upgraded the Amanyanabo of Bille stool in Degema Local Government Area from a Third Class to Second Class.
Governor Nyesom Wike announced this at Bille shortly after the coronation ceremony of Igbikingeri Herbert as the Amanyanabo of Bille Kingdom in Degema Local Government Area.
The Governor who was represented by the former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Austin Opara also said the Kingdom would be included in the second phase of the Trans-Kalabari Road.
He charged the new Amanyanabo to build upon the peaceful foundation in which Bille Kingdom is known for, adding that many Kingdoms and communities have a lot to learn from Bille in terms of peaceful ascension to their chieftaincy stools.
The Governor also urged corporate organisations in the Kingdom to always fulfil their corporate social responsibilities to the community, while calling on the people to work with their new king to move the Kingdom forward.
Also speaking, the Amanyanabo of Nembe Kingdom, King Edmund Daukoru said Bille and Nembe had a lot of things in common, stressing that both Kingdoms have even fought wars in the past.
Daukoru who was chairman of the coronation ceremony said the traditional institution was passing through a lot of challenges, especially that of promoting peace.
He commended the people of Bille Kingdom for remaining peaceful and prayed God to grant the new king the wisdom to take the kingdom to greater height.
In an address, Chairman Central Planning Committee for the coronation anniversary, Prof Kontein Trinya, said Bille is one of the most peaceful kingdoms in the state.
Professor Trinya also pleaded with the state government to dredge the swamp around the town and at least link the town to Touma community.
According to him, “such an intervention will afford us more land to plan our future streets better”, he said.
Meanwhile, the new Amanyanabo of Bille Kingdom, King Igbikingeri Herbert, has promised to defend the territorial integrity of the kingdom.
In an inaugural speech, a copy made available to newsmen, King Herbert also promised to create a conducive environment for the individual and collective pursuit of happiness as well as fostering peace, enlightenment and freedom that will culminate in sustainable development of the Kingdom.
“Today, as I ascend the throne of the famous Agbaniye-Jike of Bille, I promise to be a humble servant leader of Bille Kingdom,” he said.
The event was attended by dignitaries from across the country.

By: John Bibor

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