Rivers
Nsirim Assures CAFFAN Of RSG’s Support
The Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Pastor Paulinus Nsirim, has assured members of the Catfish and Allied Fish Farmers Association of Nigeria (CAFFAN), Rivers State Chapter, of the support and assistance of the Rivers State Government to boost fish production.
Nsirim, who gave the assurance during the 2021 CAFFAN capacity building and award ceremony in Port Harcourt, last Thursday encouraged the youths to channel their energy towards sustainable wealth creation, and take advantage of the goodwill of CAFFAN to build their capacity since the era of white collar job was over.
The Commissioner, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Communications, Barrister Ibiwari Clapton-Ogolo urged the association to start a Young Fishers Club in secondary schools so as to build the students’ interest and passion in fish farming for the next generation.
He also commended CAFFAN for taking advantage of the people-oriented projects of the Governor Nyesom Wike administration; especially in the areas of good road networks and adequate security which he said have enabled the fish business to be moved at a minimum cost within the State.
In his keynote address, the State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Fred Kpakol urged the 100 youths who are beneficiaries of the mentorship and youth empowerment programme of the association to develop their capacity and target towards exporting fishes and generating employment opportunities for others.
Kpakol, who was represented at the event, discouraged the use of anti-biotics for fish production because of the adverse effects on human health.
Also speaking, the member representing Andoni/Opobo/Nkoro Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Dr. Abiante Awaji-Inombek commended members of CAFFAN for their determination to increase the production of fishes considering the shortfall compared to the consumption rate required in the nation.
In encouraging the association in the state, the lawmaker said he is presently pursuing the establishment of the Federal Institute of Fisheries in the Niger Delta.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of CAFFAN in Rivers State, Elder Clapton Ogolo noted the determination of the association in partnering with local government councils and other organisations to ensure that Agriculture is made a true business opportunity, employment and economic development as a means of maintaining a sustained food security in the state.
On his part, the Chairman of Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area, Rt. Hon Enyiada Clifford Cookeygam, while speaking on behalf of council chairmen in the state, commended the association for running with the vision of Governor Nyesom Wike in wealth creation and human capital development, stressing that the relevance of his local government cannot be over-emphasised, as it was one of the largest exporters of palm produce and fishes before the deviation to crude oil.
He also applauded CAFFAN for its willingness to train and equip 20 youths in each of the 23 local government areas of the state.
Those honoured for their contributions towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 2, which focuses explicitly on food by seeking to end hunger, achieve food security and improve nutrition as well as promote sustainable agriculture included Senator George Thompson Sekibo, the Senator representing Rivers East Senatorial District at the National Assembly; the Interim Administrator/Chief Executive Officer of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr Effiong Akwa; Dr Abiante Awaji-Inombek; and Rivers State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Fred Kpakol.
Dignitaries who graced the occasion were the Director of Agriculture in the Federal Ministry of Agriculture; Representative of the Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture; Representative of the State Commissioner for Youth, Dr Nene Jamabo; Head of the Fisheries Department of University of Port Harcourt, Prof I. D. George; and former Head of Fisheries Department, Rivers State University, Dr (Mrs) Blessing Daniel-Kalio; among others.
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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