Rivers
Work On Bodo-Opobo-Bonny Road Excites FG

The Federal Government says the Bodo, Opobo and Bonny road project under construction is almost the biggest project being undertaken by the present administration across the country with about N200 billion committed to it.
It has also lauded the progress of work done so far on the job by the constructing firm, Julius Berger Limited
The Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, stated this when he made an inspection visit to the project site that terminated at the Ataba section of the road project in Andoni creek of the State to ascertain the level of work done so far on the road project comprising the construction of Rivers 37.9km single carriageway with major and mini bridges of length spanning about 300 meters.
Fashola said the federal government was committed to ensuring that the project was delivered and completed as approved, saying that funding was not a problem.
According to him, one out of the three major bridges and four mini bridges have been completed, adding that a massive engineering work is ongoing across the project site.
The minister averred that the federal government was investing almost 200 billion Naira in the project, adding that when the project is completed, it will improve on the fortunes of the people, state and the country at large.
He described the project as historic and memorable, noting that the project was conceived since 1980 before the present administration took the bold steps to commence work on it, adding that he was elated to ride on the road from the Bodo Creek to the Ataba Creek.
“It is a tremendous thing, so historic and memorable to see that the people of Bodo, Ataba and Bonny will be linked by road. I must commend President Muhammad Buhari for leading the SEC to approve this road project which is almost the highest project being executed by the federal government.
“Funding is not a problem, so we shall go back to see where we lost time and increase our man power and technology to make up the lost period. We are striving to ensure that the project is delivered as scheduled for 2022 deadline,” he stated.
Fashola used the opportunity to thank the NLNG for their role in the execution of the project through the tax policy payment of the federal government and all the host communities for their role in ensuring that the project succeed, even as he assured the Ataba community that their request of linking the road to their community will be done when the major road is completed..
Also speaking on behalf of the engineers handling the project, Engr E. U. Udoh, who gave a summary of the project said the road project had three major bridges at AFA Creek with 502 meters long at Opobo channel bridge, 1.198m long, Nanbeie creek Bridge 782m long,, one pipeline crossing bridge, 204metres long, while the 9 mini bridges have a total of 348m length.
He disclosed that the project had provided 659 direct jobs and 182 indirect jobs to both host communities and other youth from the country, adding that the completed stretch of the road has provided easy access for the residents to their farms, schools and health centers as well as reduced travel time to the Afa creek jetty and cost.
Also speaking, the Okanma of Ataba community, King Benson Egwenre, expressed happiness with the ongoing project, adding that the road project would impact on the economic and living conditions of the host communities.
The monarch while commending the federal government over the project, appealed for the extension of the project to Ataba community.
By: AkujobiAmadi
Niger Delta
RSNC Head Charges NAOMEW On Professionalism, Effective Service Delivery

The Head of Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mrs Stella Dornubari Gbaraba, has charged the National Association of Ogoni Media House Workers (NAOMEW) World Wide, to be committed to professionalism, patriotism and effective service delivery in the discharge of their duties and rendering of patriotic gestures.
Mrs Gbaraba gave the charge yesterday when the NAOMEW, The Tide Chapter paid her a courtesy call in her office in Port Harcourt.
She expressed deep appreciation for the visit, and assured the Association of her commitment to being a worthy Ogoni Ambassador like late Mr Augustine Nwikinaka, former General Manager of the corporation, to promote the fortunes of the corporation, while counting on their unflinching encouragement, prayers and support to succeed.
“ I am very happy to receive the National Association of Ogoni Media House Workers (The Tide Chapter) today in my office. I am glad you people came to my office, for those that know me in a short while in the corporation, I am a serious-minded person. I heard that the time the corporation was functioning well was under the leadership of late Austin Nwikinaka. Any where I go to, I will rather come down and show working example and that is what the Ogoni person is known for. So I am always proud to associate myself with an Ogoni man, so your support means so much to me,” Mrs Gbaraba said.
She assured them of running an open-door policy in the management of the corporation, and urged stronger partnership between NAOMEW, other unions, interest groups, corporate organisations, institutions and the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation in professional service delivery.
Speaking on behalf of the NAOMEW, The Tide Chapter, the National Secretary of the association, Comrade Taneh Beemene welcomed her into The Tide family and also congratulated her on her very important appointment.
Taneh, who expressed confidence in her experience and abilities to deliver on her assignments, thanked her for the uncommon feats recorded in the corporation within her brief leadership. He said the corporation has been revived from its comatose status that predated her appointment.
“ Within your short time, you have given the corporation a remarkable facelift. We pray that God should give you the enablement to restore the dignity of the corporation. We have come to inform you that we are solidly behind you and will make our untiring contributions to make you succeed, “ he stated.
In his vote of thanks and closing remarks, the Chairman, National Union of Printing, Publishing and Paper Production Workers (NUPPPPROW), Comrade Keyirale Donatus Nwiueh thanked the Head of the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mrs Stella Dornubari Gbaraba for receiving the association in a warm manner, adding that she should count on the support of the association to succeed.
Kiadum Edookor
Niger Delta
OBALGA Sole Administrator Presents Brand New Fire Extinguishers To Council …Commiserates With Traders Over Rumuomasi Market Fire Incident …Commences Desilting Of Drainages

The Sole Administrator of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Dr Clifford Ndu Walter has presented 150 brand new fire extinguishers to the council.
Dr Walter who spoke to newsmen at the council premises at Rumuodumanya said the gesture was part of measures by his administration to ensure safety of lives and council property from unforeseen fire incidents.
He urged the staff of the council to ensure the safety of the extinguishers, while promising to engage experts to teach them how to handle and operate the extinguishers.
Meanwhile, Sole Administrator of Obio Akpor Local Government Council, Dr Clifford Ndu Walter has commiserated with traders at the Rumuomasi Market over the unfortunate fire incident that gutted parts of the market.
Dr Walter who visited the market to assess the level of damage caused by the fire, described it as unfortunate
Addressing the crowd of distressed traders and community members, Dr. Walter acknowledged the historical significance of the market, which was originally built under the administration of the former Obio/Akpor Chairman and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief (Barr.) Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON.
He noted that preliminary findings suggest the fire may have been caused by an electrical fault, though a full investigation is still underway.
“As a local government, we will constitute a thorough investigation team to determine the root cause of the fire,
“Most importantly, we thank God that no lives were lost. I want to assure our traders that the Local Government will not abandon you.
“We will also work with security operatives to safeguard salvaged goods and prevent further losses,” he said.
He encouraged traders to adopt stricter safety measures, especially concerning electrical appliances in markets prone to fire hazards.
“There are many ways fires can ignite, even without an open flame. Let us all be vigilant and prioritise safety,” he cautioned.
Dr. Walter also commended those who stepped in to assist during the emergency.
“We are grateful to all who helped salvage goods and support affected persons during the crisis. Your kindness embodies the spirit of Obio/Akpor. The forthcoming investigation will help us put preventive structures in place,” he said.
The Chairman of the market, Mr. Prince Adele, who accompanied Dr. Walter, during the inspection, identified K-Lane as the most severely affected area.
A statement by the information officer to the council, Ominini Leslie Wokoma said no incident of death was reported by the traders during the visit.
In another development, the Sole Administrator of Obio/Akpor local government council, Sir Clifford Ndu Walter, has commenced a comprehensive canal clearance campaign with a view to identifying and removal of all blockages including illegal structures hindering the free flow of waters in the area.
A statement from the council Press Secretary, Ominini Leslie Wokoma said during the inspection of key canals in the area, several unauthorised barricades and blockages were discovered and removed.
According to the statement, Dr Walter emphasised that illegal dumping, unapproved structures and poor drainage habits endanger communities and undermine government efforts, adding that his administration is committed to protecting lives and property of the citizens.
It said the Sole Administrator also declared his readiness to ensure that all canals and drainages are cleaned, maintained and functioning effectively.
He also warned against further dumping of waste in waterways, citing impending flooding.
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