News
Lawmakers Laud Ikiriko’s Efforts To End Illegal Bunkering In Ahoada-West
The Chairman of Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State; Hon. Hope Ikiriko has done well in the fight against illegal oil bunkering in the area.
The Chairman, Rivers State House of Assembly Committee on Environment, Hon. Dumle Maol, made this commendation when the chairman led members of the committee to the various artisanal refining camps and illegal bunkering sites in the LGA.
Speaking further, Maol gave thumbs up to Ikiriko for his doggedness and consistent effort in the fight against illegal activity within his locality; saying “We want to commend him and also encourage people from the local government to support in what he is doing.
“This is a death sentence declared on our people. And for me, he is on a rescue mission because if you look at what they have done here, even those that are doing it, do not know the implications of what they are doing. If they know, they will not devastate this environment like this.
“It will take time and pains to restore this place to what people can use. But if not for what the governor and the local government chairman are doing, we wouldn’t have known what the future would have been by now.”
The committee boss expressed satisfaction on the strategic steps taken by Ikiriko to evacuate the illegal refining facilities instead of causing further damage on the environment and air pollution.
The committee members, who were on an on-the-spot assessment as part of their oversight function, also observed that the green vegetation within and around where the illegal activity was perpetrated has been completely destroyed.
In a brief remark, the Chairman of Ahoada West LGA, Hon Hope Ikiriko reiterated his commitment to the fight against the illegal refining activity.
According to the council chairman, “the impact of this activity has caused us alot of health problems, and no right thinking human being would trade with people’s health. I will not give up until this fight is won. I have assured them that my office is open for anyone with a genuine business plan. They must engage in alternative livelihoods. Otherwise, we will continue to disallow them from damaging our health and environment. Just look around, no more green environment!
“I must commend the Governor of the state; Chief Nyesom Wike for his commitment to stamping out the menace from the state:, he said.
He also commended the efforts of the Rivers State House of Assembly, saying that “This singular approach initiated by the state House of Assembly, championed by the House Committee on Environment, has given us the necessary boost needed to execute the task.
“So, we will continue to appeal to the communities to discourage this illegal activity, and report them to the appropriate quarters. We are not spirits, government works with reliable information. This fight can only be won with the support of the residents and all the stakeholders in our various communities”, he said.
The committee visited Ula-Okobo refining sites and Oshika community refining points.
By: Nelson Chukwudi
The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has begun the celebration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary with a Juma’at service where prayers were offered for the progress of the state and Nigeria.
Governor Fubara, who advocated for peace and unity of Nigeria during the prayers on Friday at the Rivers State Central Mosque, Port Harcourt, indicated that without peace, the accelerated development of Nigeria will remain in a limbo.
Governor Fubara, who was represented by Alhaji Abdurrazaq Diepriye, therefore urged citizens to remain patriotic.
According to him, “Allah has brought us this far. Without peace, we can not have progress and economic development. I call on all citizens irrespective of creed or tribe to remain patriotic.”
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for restoring peace in Rivers State while also using the forum to appreciate security agencies for their relentless effort in upholding the peace and unity of Rivers State and Nigeria.
The Chief Imam of Rivers State Central Mosque, Imam Ibrahim Yaloo, admonished Moslem faithful to always speak the truth, adding that those who obey Allah will be directed to good deeds and their sins forgiven.
Prayers were offered for Rivers State and Nigeria.
Other activities to mark the 65th Independence anniversary in the state include an Inter-denominational Church Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, 28th September and Parade Ceremony on Wednesday, 1st October.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima departed New York on Sunday after representing President Bola Tinubu at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
In a statement released on Sunday by the VP media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President is now headed to Germany, where he will hold strategic meetings with officials of Deutsche Bank.
The statement read, “Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed New York, United States, after successfully representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
“During his participation at UNGA 80, VP Shettima secured UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ commendation for Nigeria’s bid for a permanent UN Security Council seat.
“He also showcased Nigeria’s $200 billion energy transition opportunity to global investors and strengthened strategic partnerships with the UK on trade, defence, and migration issues.”
Nkwocha added that the VP delivered Tinubu’s national statement, calling for UN reforms and a permanent seat for Nigeria at the UN Security Council, and “demanded Africa’s control over its $700 billion mineral wealth, and digital inclusion initiatives.”
“He also engaged with the Gates Foundation on healthcare and education expansion, positioning Nigeria as the natural hub for the African Continental Free Trade Area’s $3.4 trillion market.
“VP Shettima was seen off at John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York, by cabinet Ministers who were part of the UNGA 80 delegation and Nigerian Mission officials.”
The aide noted that Shettima will return to Nigeria immediately after his engagements in Germany.
The Tide source recalls that the VP departed Abuja, yesterday.
He led other Nigerian officials at the Assembly.
As part of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary celebration, the Federal Government held a special thanksgiving service on Sunday at the National Ecumenical Centre in Abuja to offer prayers and give thanks for the nation.
The event drew top government officials and security chiefs, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, as well as their spouses.
Other notable guests included Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun, former Plateau State Governor, Senator Simon Lalong, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, who led the service chiefs in attendance.
Service chiefs present included the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Emmanuel Ogala, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Mrs Kemi Nandap and Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Nwakuche, among others.00
The service came days after the government unveiled the official theme and some of the activities slated for the 2025 Independence celebrations.
This year’s anniversary is tagged “Nigeria @ 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation,” as announced by the Director of Information and Public Relations at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Segun Imohiosen, in a statement on Wednesday.
“As part of activities to mark the 65th Independence Anniversary, the Juma’at Prayer and the Inter-Denominational Church Service will be held on Friday, 26th September at 1 pm and Sunday, 28th September at 10 am respectively, as well as the World Press Conference on Monday, 29th September at 10 am,” he said.
The Tide source had earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu, alongside former Heads of State, Yakubu Gowon, Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, is expected as a special guest at a national discourse convened by the Island Club, Lagos, to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.
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