Niger Delta
New HYPREP Project Coordinator Assumes Office …Tasks Workers On Commitment

The new Project Coordinator of Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), Dr Ferdinand Giadom, has commenced work at the Project Coordination office in Port Harcourt, with a charge to workers of the project to be more dedicated and committed to their duties.He said this would enable the project to achieve the overall goal of the project, as contained in the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Report on the clean-up of Ogoniland.
Giadom, who gave the charge during his maiden meeting with staff of HYPREP at the Stadium Road office of the project in Port Harcourt yesterday, said as a team player, he would work with the entire workforce in such a way that everybody would do his or her job “on time, on course and on target.”
According to him, the major target is the full implementation of the UNEP. Report to the satisfaction of Ogoni people and other Nigerians.
Giadom noted that the ongoing clean-up project is an Ogoni project, adding that as an Ogoni man, all his life, he has been dedicated to the service of the people.
“ I am not here as a leader, King and Emperor but to serve the people wholeheartedly with all my heart. I am no god and I am not here trying to be one. I do not claim to know all things,” he said.
He further reminded the workers that “ We are here for one purpose, to earn our daily bread and put bread on our table. We must all be committed to our duties.”
The Project Coordinator also stressed the need for the workers to read the UNEP Report which he described as the Bible, because, according to him, “We cannot implement what we do not have adequate knowledge of.”
Giadom assured that his administration would give the welfare of workers top priority and also ensure that they are provided all the materials and equipment they need to deliver on time, on course and on target, contending that there was the need for the entire workforce to play by the rules.
He further noted that while the project would adequately reward excellence, it would not hesitate to punish erring staff.
He said for several years, the Ogonis have suffered deprivation and neglect arising from the devastation and degradation of their environment, assuring that everything would be done within his power to change the ugly narrative, and solicited for support, cooperation and understanding from all and sundry.
Also speaking, a member of HYPREP CRAC and a traditional ruler, Suanu Baridan thanked President Muhammadu Buhari and the Minister of State for Environment, Chief Sharaon Ikeazor for appointing an Ogoni son as the substantive Project Coordinator of HYPREP, assuring that the Ogoni people would gladly work with the new Project Coordinator.
On his part, a renowned activist and paramount ruler, Gbenemene Kadilo Kabari expressed delight that HYPREP now has an indigenous Project Coordinator, saying, “It is an opportunity to get it right.”
“We thank God that the Minister obliged the people by giving us an Ogoni son for the Ogoni project,” he said, and commended the Project Coordinator for starting on a good note by putting the Ogonis at the centre of the project.
In his vote of thanks, the Head of Procurement, HYPREP, Mr Paul Ugbaha thanked the new Project Coordinator for starting on a resounding note by showing leadership.
Project Coordinator, saying, it is an opportunity to get it right. “We thank God that the Minister Obliged the people by giving us an Ogoni son for the Ogoni project”, he said, and commended the Project Coordinator for starting on a good note by putting the Ogonis in the centre of the project.
In his note of thanks, the Head of Procurement, Mr Paul Owoicho Ugbaha thanked the new Project Coordinator for showing leadership.
By: Donatus Ebi
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.