Niger Delta
Rivers Community Confers Chieftaincy Titles On Diri, Dickson
The Ataba Kingdom in Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State has conferred on Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, the title of ‘Oro-Ata 1’ (one who does good to his people).
Seriake Dickson, Governor Diri’s predecessor and Senator representing Bayelsa West Senatorial district was also bestowed with the chieftaincy title, the ‘Utoron 1 of Ataba’( the ‘light of the community”), just as the Ataba’ kingdom also named two roads in their kingdom after the illustrious sons of the Ijaw nation.
The Okaan-Ama of Ataba Kingdom, King Benson Mgbowaji Egwenre, Oruk XVII, made the pronouncement at the weekend during the Bayelsa’s Governor and his predecessor’s courtesy visit to his palace.
King Egwenre said the Ataba Divisional Council of Chiefs, on behalf of the kingdom, honoured both leaders for showing uncommon love to its indigenes through appointment in their government in Bayelsa State.
Describing their presence in Ataba as historic, the monarch noted that over the years, Bayelsa had demonstrated an unbroken love for his people from the days of the late Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha as governor of the state.
He said it takes one with a large heart to consider the whole of the Ijaw Nation as his constituency, noting that Diri has kept the legacies he inherited by appointing their son, Mr. Erasmus Patrick, as Commissioner for Ijaw National Affairs as well as seeing to the emergence of another Ataba son, Deacon Timothy Igbifa, as president of the Ijaw Youth Council.
Responding on behalf of himself and Governor Diri, the former Governor, Senator Dickson thanked the king and people of Ataba for the honour, saying that the action and intention of promoting Ijaw nationalism made Bayelsa the centerpiece and that he gave Bayelsa the appellation; ‘the Jerusalem of Ijaw nation’.
He added that the people of Ataba and the entire Andoni believe in the Ijaw cause and have over the years produced sons and daughters that have served and are still serving the Ijaw nation in various capacities.
The Senator described Elder Patrick Erasmus whom he said was a former Ijaw National Congress stalwart, and Prince Uche Secondus, former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, as well as retired Major Lancelot Ayanya, as great friends of Bayelsa and dependable brothers, just as he eulogised Governor Diri, noting that since assuming office, Diri has continued to promote Ijaw nationalism because he understood the imperative of unity and solidarity of the Ijaw nation, being a product of the Ijaw struggle.
Later, at the funeral of Madam Henrietta Fimie Patrick, mother of Erasmus Patrick, Governor Diri thanked God for the life of the matriarch, who lived for 102 years, adding though the gathering was a solemn one, there was need to celebrate a life well spent and rejoice with the Patrick family and the Ataba people.
The Bayelsa chief executive described the late matriarch as the Esther of her time; beautiful not only physically but also in her heart.
“As solemn as today is, it calls for celebration because God gave Mama the grace to live for 102 years. So we are here to join our friend and brother, Erasmus Patrick, the Patrick family and the people of Ataba to celebrate our mother whom God has called home.
“Going through her biography, clearly she was an Esther, a beautiful woman not only physically but also beautiful in her heart. For that reason, everybody calls her the ‘Nma of Ataba’ “.
“Let me on behalf of the government and good people of Bayelsa State extend our condolences to the Patrick family and the people of Ataba Kingdom”, he said.
Highpoint of the event was the unveiling of the Chief Senator DouyeDiri, the ‘Oro-Ata 1’ of Ataba Kingdom road.
By: AriweraIbibo-Howells, Yenagoa
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.