City Crime
Echoes Of World Environment Day
The continuous destruction of the ecosystem and depletion of the Ozone layers formed the major topics for discussions at the just concluded World Environment Day (WED) celebration.
Incidentally, the event which held on the 5th of June had as its theme: “Ecosystem Restoration” The event is marked 5th of June every year. The first World Environment Day celebration took place in 1974 in Spokane, United States of America.
The theme for that celebration was: “Only One Earth,”
World Environment Day has always revolved round a theme. For instance, in 2010: the theme was Many Species One Planet, One Future, celebrating the diversity of life on earth. In 2011, the theme was “Forest Nature at Your Service.” 2012: The Green Economy, 2013 celebration theme was “Think eat Save”.
Similarly for 2014, the theme was: International Year of Small Islands developing states with the slogan: “Raise Your Voice not the Sea Level” for 2015, it was “Seven Billion Dreams One Planet, Consume With Care” 2016, it was Go Wild for Life.
Similarly 2017 celebration featured, “Connecting Nature to people” 2018 “Beat Plastic Pollution” while in 2019 it was, “Beat Air pollution” for this year, the theme was, “Ecosystem Restoration”.
Although the celebration had come and gone, its echoes still linger across the world.
Here in Rivers State, the Rivers State Government and several other organisations participated in the celebration.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Dr Nduye C.T. Briggs, described the World Environment Day as a powerful platform to accelerate, amplify and encourage people, communities and governments around the world to take action on critical environment challenges facing the planet.
According to Briggs, who addressed the press during the celebration, the “main objectives of WED therefore, are to identify current environmental issues, protect and preserve our ecosystem and look at various environmental issues growing day by day, spread awareness on the preservation and protection of the environment. “The theme for this year’s (2021) WED celebration means assisting in the recovery of ecosystems that have been degraded destroyed, as well as conserving the ecosystems that are still intact”.
The permanent secretary listed some practical steps that should be taken to restore the ecosystem.
According to him, “We can grow tress, green tree cities, rebuild our gardens, change our diet and clean up rivers and coasts”
He pointed out that, “we are the generation that can make peace with nature,”
According to him, Nature is in crisis, threatened by biodiversity and ecosystem loses, global warming and toxic pollution.”
Dr Briggs, urged the people of Rivers State to protect and preserve the environment in order to save and restore the ecosystem.
“Let us reflect on our activities and their impacts on the environment and engage in practices that ensures, sustainability of the environment”
He pleaded with those involved in illegal refining of crude oil and bunkering to stop it.
“I want to appeal to all and sundry to stop illegal refining of crude oil and bunkering activities, burning of refuses, especially plastics and other hazardous wastes and indiscriminate felling of trees and bush burning.
“These activities, not only affect the air quality and the ozone layer, but also pollute both surface and ground waters”
He said, the Rivers State Government on its part will continue to protect the environment as well as ensure that policies on the ecosystem restoration are complied with, while also providing social amenities and protecting lives and property.
Also speaking on the theme in an interview with The Tide, the Rivers State President of the Waste Management Society of Nigeria (WAMASON), Mr Abu Benson said, “restoring the ecosystem means protecting their biodiversity and helping them to deliver benefits for the people”.
“It means using ecosystem on land and in the oceans in ways that strengthen their natural resources and processes”.
Abu listed ways in which the ecosystem can be restored to include, supporting the national policy on solid waste management and the plastic waste management initiative to take effect at local, state and national levels.
Pledge support for restoration or conservation initiatives, including cleaning up a lake beach, park or other natural area as well as greening our homes, business, school or public spaces as professional members with indigenous trees or plants.
The WAMASON state chairman also advocated for halting purchases of products and services that are not certified as sustainable as well as imbibing the culture and practices of sustainable waste management.
Similarly, in a press release to mark the day, the Centre for Environment Human Rights Development (CEHRD) condemned gas flaring penalties.
“The overt relaxed penalty for gas flaring that makes economic sense for oil companies to flare gas and pay the penalty rather than adopt trending technology in gas reuse does not help and potentially limits the opportunities for achieving the Nigeria’s nationally determined contribution (NDC).
According to CEHRD, strengthening existing policies and legislations is critical to providing a holistic solution to protecting, preserving and restoring the environment which are key components of ecosystem restoration”.
The centre also called on the citizenry and government at all levels to take practical steps to prevent further loss of biodiversity and restore degraded ecosystems.
“Individuals, communities and the multinational companies must also put an end to practice, that compromised conservation and restoration of biodiversity.
“These include, artisanal refining of crude oil, over exploration of mangroves for firewood, fishing with dynamite and gas flaring.
“We demand that the government of Nigeria should as a matter of urgency embark on a robust sensitisation on citizen’s environmental stewardship and coordinate participatory and sustainable actions to restoring degraded mangroves and rainforests.”
It also urged for a national policy on tree planting in every home, in schools, colleges and public parks, while existing legislations including the National Oil Spills Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) Act and the Environmental Impact Assessment Act be strengthened. The theme is laudable but government must go beyond mere policy-making, by taking action.
In the Niger Delta for instance, action should be lauder than word.
All in all, the celebration has once again re-awakened the consciousness of the society to take action to protect our ecosystem.
By: John Bibor/Miracle Peters
City Crime
Fanfare, Pageantry As Ohiauga Community Honours 31 Eminent Personalities with Maiden Leadership Awards
Ohiauga Community in Igburu Clan, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, on Saturday, December 27, 2025, witnessed an unprecedented spectacle of celebrations, fanfare and cultural splendour as it honoured 31 distinguished personalities for their outstanding leadership qualities, selfless service and immense contributions to the growth and development of the community.
The historic event, which took place at the Ohiauga Community Town Hall, marked the maiden edition of the Ohiauga Leadership Awards and saw 27 illustrious sons and daughters of the community, alongside four non-indigenes, decorated with various honours in recognition of their unwavering commitment to the socio-economic, political and infrastructural advancement of the area.
From the early hours of the day, the once serene and seemingly sleepy community was transformed into a beehive of activities. The atmosphere was electrified with excitement as the sound of music echoed from different corners of the community. Everywhere was colourful, lively and festive, as men, women, youths and children, young and old, trooped out in large numbers, beautifully adorned in elegant traditional and modern attires.
The favourable weather further added glamour and grace to the occasion, enhancing the beauty and splendour of the event, as the people, stakeholders and visitors savoured every moment of the celebration.
Adding royal splendour to the colourful ceremony was the presence of the Eze of Igburu Clan, Eze Igburu IV of Igburu Land, His Majesty Eze Kenneth Nwabochi, who arrived at the venue in full royal regalia, accompanied by his retinue of chiefs, elders and other palace officials. His presence was a clear testament to the significance of the occasion and underscored the unity and collective resolve of the people to celebrate excellence and service.
One after the other, the award recipients stepped forward amid thunderous applause, cheers and admiration from the audience. These were men and women whose years of dedication, sacrifice and contributions have helped place Ohiauga Community on the map in terms of political relevance, socio-economic growth and self-help-driven development.
Indeed, Ohiauga Community today boasts of notable achievements credited largely to community-based initiatives, including a relatively good road network, stable and uninterrupted electricity supply powered through solar infrastructure, and other basic amenities that have improved the quality of life of its people. The honoured individuals, it was observed, have played significant roles in achieving these milestones, leaving their unmistakable footprints on the community’s development journey.
By honouring them, the community made it clear that the awards were not meant to signal retirement from service, but rather to encourage the recipients to intensify their efforts and continue to give back to their fatherland. Community leaders noted that although progress has been recorded, Ohiauga still faces serious developmental challenges that require sustained commitment and collective action.
Prominent among these challenges is the absence of a functional healthcare facility. The only cottage hospital project in the community, allegedly initiated by Total Energies Limited several years ago, was said to have been abandoned, leaving residents without adequate medical care. The community strongly appealed to the Rivers State Government to intervene and revive the project in the interest of the people.
The education sector was also not spared. The Ohiauga Community Primary School, according to the community, is allegedly in good shape, with a conducive learning environment, but lacks enough classroom teachers, as there is only one government-employed classroom teacher. To fill the void, the community reportedly employed five additional teachers from its meagre resources and currently bears the responsibility of paying their salaries.
These realities, stakeholders explained, provided further justification for the decision to celebrate and honour individuals who have consistently demonstrated commitment to the welfare and development of the community.
Speaking at the ceremony, Chairman of the Organising Committee of the Ohiauga Maiden Leadership Awards, Pastor (Dr) David Chizor Nwaoburu, described the event as a strategic initiative aimed at fostering peace, unity and development, while recognising and rewarding excellence and service.
According to him, the award ceremony was designed to honour eminent personalities who have distinguished themselves in public and private life, and who have continued to make meaningful contributions to the growth of Ohiauga Community.
Dr Nwaoburu, who was himself among the award recipients, said the recognition was intended to motivate the honourees to do more for the community and not to rest on their achievements. He urged them to continue to serve the interests of the people wherever they find themselves and to remain ambassadors of peace and development.
He further reiterated the need for government intervention in the abandoned cottage hospital project and the posting of teachers to the primary school by the state government, stressing that community development in Ohiauga has largely been driven by self-help efforts.
Among those honoured at the event were Pastor (Dr) David Chizor Nwaoburu; former Bursar of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Dr Davis Ojima; the Registrar of the institution, Dr Chinonye A. Ajie; Dr Obi Chukwuma Ebenezer Jular; Elder Kemmer Mark Godwin; Dr Nwokoji Chukwuemeka; Mr Nduka Louis Odiegba; Dr (Chief) (Mrs) Ojima; Comrade Chimezie Igwela; Engr Gideon Eke; Chief (Prof) H. A. Ajie; Hon. Sule Igwela; and Dr Obi Nwaoburu.
Others included Prof. (Mrs) Jennifer Igwela; Dr Charity Ajie; Eric David Orukwo; the Paramount Ruler of Ohiauga Community, HRH Dr Amb. Bright Abali; Mr Chukwudi Lloyd Reuben; Comrade Wisdom Adieme; and the member representing ONELGA Constituency I in the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Uchenna Nwabochi.
Also recognised were Comrade Kelvin London Oji; Pastor Smart Brass Maduagu; Chief (Hon.) K. O. Igwela; Harmony Igwela; Comrade Onyemaobi Igwela; and Late Elder Nwaba Maduagu, who received a posthumous award in recognition of his lifetime contributions to the community.
The four non-indigenes honoured for their dedicated services and goodwill towards the community were Hon. Marculey Ogolo; Hon. ThankGod Chibor; Comrade Kingsley Ogu; and Pastor G. Oreke, who was specially recognised as the only dedicated government classroom teacher at Ohiauga Community Primary School.
Reacting to the honour, the Registrar of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Dr Chinonye A. Ajie, described the award as a step in the right direction and a thoughtful gesture that encourages service and excellence. He called for harmonious relationships among all segments of the community and pledged his continued support towards education, job creation and collective development.
Former Bursar of the university, Dr Davis Ojima, also expressed gratitude to the community for recognising his contributions, assuring that he would remain committed to promoting peace, unity and sustainable development initiatives in Ohiauga.
Business mogul, Mr Nduka Louis Odiegba, said being honoured by one’s own community carries special significance, describing the recognition as the most cherished among the many awards he has received. He pledged to intensify his contributions to the welfare and development of the people, noting that “charity must begin at home.”
In his royal remarks, the Eze of Igburu Clan, His Majesty Eze Kenneth Nwabochi, emphasised the importance of peace, unity and the preservation of cultural values, describing the maiden Ohiauga Leadership Awards as a timely initiative aimed at strengthening communal bonds and fostering collective progress.
Giving the vote of thanks on behalf of the awardees, Mr Chukwudi Lloyd Reuben, thanked the community for finding them worthy of recognition, and commended the leadership and merit award committee for the excellent packaging of the programme. He urged the awardees to continue with their good work to the community, as the merit awards were a clarion call for more community development involvement and a wake up call for others to emulate the leadership qualities exhibited by the awardees.
Overall, the maiden Ohiauga Leadership Awards ceremony lived up to its billing, serving not only as a platform to celebrate excellence and service but also as a rallying point for renewed commitment to the development of the community, amid resounding jubilation, merriment and cultural pride.
By: Donatus Ebi
