Rivers

LG Accuses Security Agents Of Aiding Illegal Bunkering

Published

4 years ago

January 5, 2022

The people of Emohua Local Government Area in Rivers State have called on the Federal Government to end the growing menace of illegal oil bunkering activities popularly known as kpo-fire.
The intervention of the Federal Government, they said was necessary, in order to avert loss of lives and properties in the area.
The people who made the call during a peaceful protest along the Emohua axis of the East-West Road accused some security personnel posted to the area of aiding and abetting oil bunkering activities.
They also lamented the effects of soot on the inhabitants of the local government area on daily basis.
The chairman of Emohua Local Government Area, Dr. Chidi Lloyd who led the peaceful protest said efforts made by his administration to end the menace through the setting up of the local government taskforce on illegal oil bunkering could not yield the much needed result due to the support of security personnel to the operators of the illegal oil bunkering business in the area.
He alleged that truck tanks were being loaded with illegally refined petroleum products and escorted out of the local government area by federal government controlled security agencies while residents of the area battle issues of soot and water pollution, as well as destruction of farm lands, as a result of the menace.
Dr Lloyd said the activities of illegal oil bunkers if not stopped by the federal government which is the only tier of government that has powers over the security agencies, would perhaps expose the people of Emohua Local Government Area to the risk of cancer and other serious health-related challenges.
On their parts, leader of Emohua Legislative Assembly, Mrs Love Nyenke and the Secretary of the Local Government Council, Chief Vincent Chukwu in their separate remarks, supported the position of the council chairman.
They stated that the situation had become so bad that the people of the area who are predominantly farmers and fishermen could no longer go about their farming and fishing businesses due to the pollution of the Surounding Rivers and streams in the area, and their farmlands.
They called for the investigation of security personnel involved in the illegal oil bunkering activities and anyone found culpable be made to face the full wrath of law for sabotaging the nation’s economy.
According to them, the quick intervention of the federal government will not only help to protect lives and properties in Emohua Local Government Area but would also save the nation from loss of revenue.

Rivers

Fubara Restates Continued Support For NYSC In Rivers

Published

5 days ago

January 28, 2026

The Tide

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme in the state.

He gave the assurance during the swearing-in ceremony of the 2026 Batch A Stream I corps members on Friday at the Permanent Orientation Camp, Nonwa-Gbam, Tai Local Government Area of the state.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Benibo Anabraba, the Governor emphasised that no nation could develop or attain greatness without harnessing the potential of its youths, who are the leaders of tomorrow.

He assured the corps members that the ongoing renovation and upgrade of facilities at the camp would soon be completed.

The State Governor also stated that new infrastructure would be constructed to accommodate the increasing number of corps members deployed to the state.

The NYSC State Coordinator, Mr. Moses Oleghe, thanked the Governor for constructing a 1,000-capacity hostel accommodation for both male and female corps members at the camp.

Oleghe announced that a total of 2,638 corps members, comprising 1,007 males and 1,631 females, had completed their registration, while more than 300 corps members were yet to register.

The oath of office was administered by the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Chibuzor Amadi, who was represented by another judge, Justice Chika Mini.

Theresa Frederick & Charity Amiso

Rivers

Health Comm Charges Youth To Take Advantage Of Innovation Hub

Published

5 days ago

January 28, 2026

The Tide

The Rivers State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Chidinma Oreh, has called on adolescents and young people in the state to take full advantage of the newly established Adolescents and Young People Innovation Hub Centre, urging them to prioritize the acquisition of entrepreneurial and life skills that will empower them economically and support informed life choices.

Dr. Oreh made the call while commissioning the Innovation Hub Centre located at Fimie-Ama Community in Port Harcourt Local Government Area (PHALGA).

She disclosed that the Hub, which features ICT and robotics rooms, app development and media studios, beauty and vocational training spaces, wellness and counselling services, and a food technology unit, reflects a deep understanding of the diverse needs of adolescents and young people in society.

While applauding the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN), in partnership with Project HOPE, for initiating the laudable programme, the Commissioner noted that the Rivers State Government recognizes youth empowerment through skills acquisition, confidence building, and access to opportunities as a cornerstone of sustainable development, social stability, and economic growth.

She further assured of the continuous support of the Rivers State Government in creating an enabling environment for programmes that empower young people, promote innovation, reduce vulnerability, and contribute to overall socio-economic transformation.

Speaking earlier, the Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director of the Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria, Dr. Charles Olalekan Mensah, said the establishment of the Innovation Hub Centre is aimed at empowering young people with relevant skills and providing opportunities for long-term growth.

He added that the successful realization of the Hub is the result of strong leadership, strategic partnerships, and sustained collaboration among stakeholders.

In her goodwill message, the Country Director of the CDC, Nigeria, Dr. Meghna Desai, represented virtually by the Deputy Director, Programmes, Dr. Jerry Gwamna, described the Hub as a safe space for the holistic development of adolescents and young people.

She noted that the initiative will equip beneficiaries with critical entrepreneurial, technical, and life skills that reduce vulnerability and promote economic independence, including for young people living with HIV/AIDS.

Rivers

Andoni Chair Assures Safety After Cult-Related Attacks In Oyokotoro

Published

5 days ago

January 28, 2026

The Tide

The Chairman of Andoni Local Government Area (LGA), Hon. Lucky Promise-Otuo, has assured residents of Oyokotoro fishing settlement of their safety following recent cult-related attacks and threats to peace in the area.

In a statement he personally signed, Hon. Promise-Otuo disclosed that proactive measures have been put in place to prevent a breakdown of law and order. These include the deployment of security personnel to Oyokotoro and surrounding communities.

The Council Chairman stated that his administration is working closely with the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies to address the situation and prevent future occurrences.

He strongly condemned the attacks, describing them as unacceptable and a serious threat to the peace, safety, and the livelihoods of residents.

Hon. Promise-Otuo warned those responsible for the attacks to desist immediately, stressing that anyone found culpable would face the full weight of the law.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to maintaining peace and security across the LGA, assuring residents, visitors, and business operators of their safety.