News
GDI Hails Lloyd On Achievements In Emohua

Governor Nyesom Wike’s foremost political machinery in Rivers State; the Grassroot Development Initiative (GDI) has commended the Chairman of Emohua Local Government Area, Dr Chidi Lloyd for the infrastructure revolution witnessed across the area in less than one year of his administration.
The group noted that the last time a local government administration in Rivers State embarked on more than two kilometre road projects in any community was when its grand patron and governor of Rivers State, served as the chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, describing the simultaneous construction of four different road projects in four different communities in Emohua by Lloyd, amidst other critical infrastructure projects in less than one year as a new standard in local government administration.
The President General of GDI, Chief Bright Amaewhule stated this when he led national officers of the group on a tour of projects being executed by Lloyd across Emohua, last Wednesday.
He said the national executive of GDI was in Emohua to ascertain the level of development in the area, following the viral news of infrastructure revolution witnessed across the area since the inception of the administration of Lloyd, stressing that the chairman has so far shown much commitment to consolidating on the achievements of Governor Nyesom Wike in Emohua.
Speaking further, Amaewhule thanked Wike for ensuring the return of Lloyd to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and his subsequent emergence as the chairman of the area, stating that Lloyd has within a very short period, distinguished himself amongst the present crop of chairmen in the area of project implementation.
Highlighting the importance of some of the projects visited, Amaewhule noted that the new administrative building, the local government legislative council complex and other critical projects situated within the secretariat would, upon completion, give facelift to the council headquarters.
He also acknowledged the importance of the already completed primary healthcare centre to residents of the area who had always travelled to Port Harcourt and Obio/Akporto seek medical solutions, while appreciating the chairman’s commitment to sustaining the already existing peace and security in the area through the establishment of the internal security outfit and construction of a state-of-the-art secretariat to serve as the operational office of the security outfit.
Amaewhule said the tour of projects across Emohua provided the national secretariat of the GDI with first-hand knowledge of the level of development in the area under the administration of Lloyd.
The former caretaker committee chairman of Obio/Akpor urged other elected council chairmen in Rivers State to emulate their Emohua counterpart by embarking on meaningful projects with direct impact on the people at the grassroots, with a view to consolidating on the achievements of the grand patron of GDI.
Responding, the Chairman of Emohua Local Government Area, Dr Chidi Lloyd, who led the national officers of GDI on tour of projects across the area, attributed his administration’s achievements in less than one year to the selflessness and commitment of those servicing with him, stating that he and his team had to deny themselves of personal benefits and entitlements in an effort to actualise his vision for the people of the area.
He said the fourth road project being executed by his administration, which is situated in Akpabu community and named as Chief Nyesom Wike Drive, was conceptualised to immortalise the governor in appreciation of his love and magnanimity to the people of the area.
He further disclosed that the one kilometre Eveku Road with two kilometre drainage being executed by his administration in Eveku community, which upon completion would be the first ever tarred road in Eveku since the community was founded, was expected to be commissioned before his administration’s one year anniversary.
Lloyd commended the GDI president general and his team for their commitment and consistency to the NEW Rivers Vision of Governor Nyesom Wike, promising to continue to always provide the necessary support to the programmes and activities of the foremost pro-PDP pressure group in Rivers State.
Also, the national secretariat of GDI commended the Emohua council boss for his support to the local government chapter of the group, describing the inclusion of officers of GDI in the local government empowerment programme as first of its kind.
National Organising Secretary of GDI, Hon Emma Weli-Wosu, made the commendation while giving vote of thanks on behalf of the national executive of the group at the end of project tour.
He said the GDI national secretariat was proud to be associated with Dr Chidi Lloyd for his visionary leadership and sterling performance in less than one year of his administration.
The projects inspected include the already completed and commissioned ultramodern public convenience; the Titan Trust Bank ATM Gallery, the first ever ATM Gallery since the creation of Emohua LGA in 1991 (completed and in use) at Emohua council secretariat; the completed four hospital wards in Emohua healthcare centre; the almost completed Emohua vigilante services secretariat building at Mgbuitanwo junction along East-West Road.
Others are the ongoing construction of Emohua council secretariat (administrative building); the council staff canteen nearing completion; the reconstruction and remodelling of Emohua council legislative council complex; the council chapel and marriage registry already making appreciable progress; the construction of 350-seater ICT studio named after Chief Emeka Woke in the council secretariat; the construction of 500-seater pavilion in the council secretariat; the construction of 20,000-gallon Braithwaite water reticulation project in the council secretariat; the completion of the abandoned office complex in the council secretariat; fencing and security tower project at the divisional police headquarters and court complex in Rumuji; the ongoing renovation of the temporary site for Elele-Alimini magistrate court complex; the construction of one kilometre Eveku road with two kilometre drainage in Eveku-Odegu; the construction of 1.5 kilometre Ukeli road with three kilometre drainage in Rundele; construction of one kilometre Ubimini road; and the newly approved construction of one kilometre Chief Nyesom Wike Drive with two kilometre drainage in Akpabu community.
Lloyd was accompanied by the Head of Local Government Administration (HLGA), Mr Ben Tuo, and other principal officers of the council.
By: Nelson Chukwudi
News
May Day: Labour Seeks Inclusiveness In Policy-making

The Organised Labour yesterday, called on the Federal Government to ensure inclusiveness in policy making and guide against erosion of rights, such as free speech and association.
The President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Joe Ajaero made the call at the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration held at the Eagle’s Square, Abuja.
The Tide source reports Ajaero and the President, Trade Union Congress, Mr Festus Osifo delivered a joint statement on behalf of the organised labour at the event.
Ajaero described May Day as, not only a moment to honour workers’ sacrifices, but also a platform to demand justice and accountability from those in public office.
He frowned at the alleged suppression of protests, and the erosion of rights of workers by some agents
According to him, workers have a duty to resist economic injustice, insecurity, and policies that undermine their dignity.
Speaking on the theme of the day, the NLC President underscored the need for Nigerian workers to reclaim the civic space and resist policies that contribute to worsening economic conditions.
“Our theme this year – “Reclaiming the Civic Space in the midst of Economic Hardship – reflects the urgent need for citizens to protect democracy and push back against repression.
“The civic space, where Nigerians express their concerns and challenge injustices is shrinking.
“If we fail to reclaim this space, the foundation of our democracy risks collapse,” he said
Ajaero, therefore, urged workers to unite and resist division, fear, and despair.
He also urged them to mobilise and organise for change, declaring that the right to demand better conditions is non-negotiable.
“Without workers, there is no society; without labour, there is no development. We must take our place in the fight for economic justice and democratic governance.”
Speaking in the same veins, Osifo said workers are the backbone of the nation—the educators, healthcare providers, builders, farmers, and innovators who sustain its economy -.
He stressed the need for the labour to reclaim the civic space even in the midst of economic hardship.
News
2025 UTME: JAMB Disowns Site Requesting Payment From Candidates

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has disassociated itself from a fraudulent site requesting payments from candidates who missed the ongoing 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The board said that the site, “Copyrightwriter Personal J Rescheduling Flw” and account number 8520641017 at Sterling Bank, associated with it, are scam.
The disclaimer is contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday by the Board’s Public Communication Advisor, Dr Fabian Benjamin.
Benjamin said the account is being exploited to defraud unsuspecting candidates who missed their UTME.
“We issue this urgent notice to inform the public about this nefarious scheme targeting candidates who were unable to participate in the UTME.
“Some unscrupulous individuals are deceitfully soliciting payments of N15,700 under the false pretence of offering rescheduling services for the examination.
“Let us be unequivocal: this, it is a blatant scam, and we are confident that the public will not fall prey to such cheap and regressive tactics.
” The individuals behind this scam have no affiliation with JAMB or any legitimate government agency.
“The account details provided in these communications are entirely fictitious and bear no connection to any official processes; they exist solely for the purpose of perpetrating fraud,” he said.
Benjamin called on Sterling bank to take immediate and decisive action against this criminal activity.
According to him, JAMB has reported the matter to the relevant security agencies and actively pursuing those responsible for this deceitful act.
He further said that “JAMB does not reschedule examinations for candidates who miss their scheduled tests due to reasons unrelated to the Board’s actions”.
He, however, said that the Board is conducting a thorough investigation for candidates whose biometrics failed during verification and were thus unable to sit for the examination.
He said those without discrepancies would be invited to retake the examination at no cost , stressing that “no cost is required”
“It is imperative to understand that JAMB does not charge any fees for examinations after a candidate has completed their registration.
“We strongly urge all candidates to remain vigilant and not to succumb to these fraudulent schemes.
“Protect yourselves and report any suspicious activity immediately,” he explained.
News
NDDC Seeks UN’s Support To Accelerate Niger Delta Development

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has expressed its willingness to partner with the United Nations (UN) to accelerate the development of the Niger Delta region.
Dr Samual Ogbuku, Managing Director of the NDDC, made the appeal in a statement issued by the commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mrs Seledi Thompson-Wakama, in Port Harcourt on yesterday.
According to the statement, Ogbuku sought the UN’s support during his visit to the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator (UNRHC), Mr Mohammed Fall, at the UN regional office in Abuja.
He called on the global body to provide the NDDC with technical assistance and expert services to support the region’s development.
“We are eager to collaborate with the UN, recognising that the state governments in the region and the NDDC alone cannot achieve the level of regional development required,” he said.
Ogbuku identified key areas where support would be needed, including the provision of portable and affordable drinking water powered by high-tech solar energy sources.
He also highlighted the importance of reforesting the mangrove swamps, which have been severely damaged by decades of environmental degradation caused by oil exploration in the Niger Delta.
“Although the NDDC has made progress in providing solar-powered streetlights across the region, we still require UN support in delivering solar energy solutions for residential buildings.
“We also wish to explore the possibility of installing solar mini-grids in homes across communities, which would boost local commerce and trade,” he added.
The NDDC managing director further appealed for increased UN involvement in areas such as healthcare, education, youth training, gender development, and food security.
Ogunku stated that such interventions would significantly enhance the standard of living in the region.
In response, Fall affirmed the UN’s readiness to collaborate with the NDDC to fast track development in the Niger Delta.
He assured that the UN would support initiatives in food security, job creation, education, and renewable energy, among other areas.
“We aim to approach development in the Niger Delta holistically, rather than focusing solely on environmental pollution.
“This is merely an entry point; however, the UN’s development vision aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are designed to positively impact various aspects of people’s lives,” Fall stated.
He assured the NDDC of continued and fruitful engagements to drive the region’s development.