Niger Delta
NAPTIP Wants Bayelsa’s Support In Fight Against Human Trafficking

The Benin Zonal Command of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has solicited the support and collaboration of the Bayelsa State Government to fight against the trafficking of persons in the zone.
The zonal commander of NAPTIP, Barrister NdukaNwanwenne, made the request during a courtesy visit recently to the Deputy Governor of the the state, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo in Government House, Yenagoa.
Nwanwenne explained that the task of stamping out the menace of human trafficking in the zone, comprising Edo, Delta and Bayelsa States, requires the collaboration at different levels and agencies of government to be effective.
He said a lot of public awareness campaigns were needed in the various communities, as human traffickers entice unsuspecting young girls with fake promises of securing high-paying jobs in Europe and elsewhere, which only land victims in prostitution and sexual slavery.
The NAPTIP zonal commander pointed out that human trafficking in Nigeria had taken a new dimension, whereby vital body organs of victims are removed after killing them and exported to other countries.
He clarified that out of the three states that the zone was made up of only Bayelsa was yet to have its anti-human trafficking taskforce set up, informing that the Director General of the agency would in no distant time inaugurate the taskforce in the state.
Responding to the request for collaboration, the Deputy Governor said government was prepared to close ranks with NAPTIP to fight against human trafficking in the state
Ewhrudjakpo, who drew a close relationship between human trafficking and drug abuse, expressed concern that the present level of awareness campaigns on the menace of human trafficking was inadequate.
The Bayelsa number two man called on the NAPTIP to open offices in all the eight local governments areas of the state to effectively take the campaign to the grassroots, by involving religious and traditional leaders, public and private schools, and other relevant institutions.
He said government would give all the necessary support to the anti-human trafficking agency in the task ahead, and called for all hands to be on deck.
In another development, the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, has re-echoed his call on alumni associations to give back more to their alma maters.
Senator Ewhrudjakpo spoke when he received in audience a delegation from Government Secondary School, Odi Alumni Association at his office in Yenagoa.
According to him, the role of old students contributing to the development of their alma mater is key and therefore urged members to regularly present themselves as role models to motivate young learners in schools.
The Deputy Governor who asserted that there is virtually no school in the state, which does not have the challenge of cultism and drug abuse, encouraged GSS Odi Alumni to do more in the area of instilling discipline, learning morality.
He however congratulated GSS Odi for producing great and outstanding personalities in different fields of endeavour, including the incumbent Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator DouyeDiri.
In his presentation, the Chairman of GSS Odi Alumni Association, Professor EtebuEbimieowei, disclosed that the alumni had put together a programme to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the school.
Etebu, who on behalf of the alumni formally invited the Deputy Governor to be part of the celebration, said activities lined up include road march, symposium, novelty football match, as well as gala and award night.
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.