Rivers

Ekpeye Kingdom Gets New Monarch

Published

3 years ago

April 13, 2022

Eze Kelvin Ngozi Anugwo, has emerged the winner of the Eze Ekpeye Logbo stool election conducted on Saturday at Ahoada Town, the administrative headquarters of Ekpeye Kingdom in Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Anugwo garnered five votes out of a total of 12 delegates to defeat his three other rivals; High Chief Nname Robinson Ewor grabbed four votes, while High Chief Stephen Ezekwem Amenim and High Chief (Prof.) Dulu Appah, scored three and zero votes respectively.
Declaring the result, the Electoral Committee chairman, Hon Stephen Umanta Ihua-Maduenyi, ex-Ahoada East Council boss, advised the contestants to accept the result in good faith, noting that the election was conducted in the glare of the law enforcement agencies, Rivers State Government representatives, press men and other observers. The chairman after announcing the result, issued certificate of return to Anugwo, the winner of the election.
Speaking shortly after the declaration, Anugwo said, “I am overwhelmed. I never knew Ekpeye people like me this way; I dedicate the certificate to God, and my late parents, who never lived to see their son become the third Eze Ekpeye Logbo.” Anugwo thanked all his supporters including the law enforcement agencies and both council chairmen for making the day a huge success.
He reiterated his three points agenda which include security, peace and placing Ekpeye in the scheme of things.
Meanwhile, effort to get comments from the losers failed as they had departed the information centre, the venue of the election, before the result was pronounced.
The Electoral Committee Chairman remarked that election of Eze Ekpeye Logbo was not strange in Ekpeye land. He emphasised that it started when the need for a Chief to represent Ekpeye at the Eastern Region House of Chiefs in Enugu, was established by the colonial government.
Maduenyi noted that the maiden election which saw the Late Upata, Eze Edmund Unoshi Ashirim, as winner was keenly contested by late Chief Tom Imo from Ehuda, Late Chief Fred Ogbonna from Igbuduya, while Late Chiefs Aganuzor and J.D. Okwukwu were Akoh and Ubie. He added that Ashirim who represented the Ekpeye at the House of Chiefs reigned from 1960-1977.
The ex-Ahoada East council boss recalled that the second election was occasioned by the demise of the first occupant of the stool of Eze Ekpeye Logbo in 1978. He said, Late Eze Robinson O. Robinson (Ubie) emerged as the winner, while Chief C.U. Ideozu from Ehuda, Eze O. Owukori of Igbuduya and Chief C.A. Okpara – Upata were among the contestants. He added that Eze Robinson ruled from 1978-2018.
He stated further that the vacancy created by the death of Eze Robinson necessitated the formation of the Committee he chaired to conduct the election.
Recall that the Ekpeye people have been grappling with the election of a new Eze Ekpeye Logo since after the conclusion of the necessary rites associated with proper burial of their late monarch.
The Tide learnt that there were agitations from the various clans especially Ubie and Upata clans laying claims as the heir apparent to the stool. To make matters worse, even the incumbent first class monarchs of the clans were allegedly eyeing the apex seat of Ekpeye.
However, relief came their way as the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, during one of his facility visits to Ekpeye land last December, issued an ultimatum that the Ekpeye should elect another monarch within two months.
Recall also that the people of Ekpeye ethnic nationality had held a special congress last Thursday to address the issue of the lingering Eze Ekpeye Logbo election. While in the convention at Ekpeye House in Ahoada, it was unanimously agreed that the earlier 20 delegates prescribed by the Eleco from each of the six clans of Ekpeye be pruned to two delegates each and a new date fixed for the election.
Also in the said meeting, a 7-man Eleco led by High Chief Godwin Osai was set up to conduct election of Uzugbani Ekpeye Executives (EU) whose tenure expires May 2022.The members of the committee who were drawn from the six clans and one special nominee for EU executive has High Chief Godwin Osai (Upata) and Barr. Hamilton Morrison (Ubie) as Chairman and Secretary. Others include ;Adamu Moses (Ahoada), Barr. Uchechukwu Igbegiri (Igbuduya), Mr Godday Owoh Chizhim (Ugbobi), Mr. Umuna Robinson (Akoh) and Dr. Friday Onyije (EU exco nominee).
Meanwhile, the Eleco after inauguration was given 30days within which to conclude their work.

BY: Agimo, Emenike Benson

Niger Delta

Rivers Begins, Supplemental Polio Vaccination, Morrow

Published

3 days ago

May 2, 2025

The Tide

The Rivers State Primary Healthcare Management Board (RSPHCMB) says it will commence Supplemental Immunization activities on Saturday, May 3, 2025, to vaccinate children from 0-5 years across the State.

The State Health Educator, Dr. Diana Babbo, who stated this during a sensitisation meeting with Media Advocate for Health, Rivers State, on the update of immunization exercise in Rivers State, said the National Immunization Plus Days (NIPDs) is a re-enforcement of the routine immunization at the health facilities.
According to her, it is aimed at boosting polio immunisation against the circulating variance of polio virus currently threatening the total eradication of polio in the country.

She further stated that there are four pillars of polio eradication, namely routine immunization (administered on babies in the health centre), supplemental immunization activity (supplements to boost the babies), surveillance (searching for children that have weakness in their legs or some oart of their bodies), and outbreak response.
The Health Educator noted that the Novel Oral Polio Vaccination Type 2 (NOPV 2) will be administered to children under the age of 0-5 years, which targets a specific polio still in existence in communities and capable of causing paralysis among the stated categories of children, despite the country being certified a polio-free nation.
Dr. Babbo further stated that this year’s NIPDs will address the high number of unresolved non-compliance cases in the State.
She debunked what she tagged a false rumour by mischief makers which claimed that the vaccines are responsible for the development of autism in children.
She said, “vaccines are not known to be responsible for the development of autism. We’re just hearing that. The truth is that one cannot know everything.
“That aspect that has been found, have we looked into other aspects, such as genetically modified foods, drinks, and milks that our children are taking?
“Have we also looked at genetic compatibility between couples before we now say vaccines are causing x, y, z things?
“Are we looking at the environment where these things are happening, what they are peculiar to?
“It must not be peculiar to all the families, there could be something also that’s happening around that we have not known. Research is evolving, let us not accuse our precious vaccines that have succeeded so far in my knowledge, to keep as many sicknesses at bay.
“The reason we do not have small pox in our world today, apart from the lab (a bio-lab) is because we vaccinated to the point where we were able to move small pox totally out of existence from human beings. We can succeed with that same pattern with all kinds of viruses”.
She stated that the connection between autism and vaccination could merely be coincidence.
Babbo, therefore, urged all parents, churches, and school owners to avail their children/wards the opportunity to be vaccinated against polio the stated exercise.

Sogbeba Dokubo

Rivers

Book Title “Managing Projects Successfully” Launch In Port Harcourt

Published

3 days ago

May 2, 2025

The Tide

The book “Managing Projects Successfully: Efficient Strategies for High Impact Delivery” was launched in Port Harcourt over the weekend.

Speaking during his opening remarks the Chairman of the occasion Mr. Henry Ifeanyi Mbadiwe, Registrar General and CEO of the Chartered Institute of Project Management of Nigeria (CIPMN), described the book as “interesting” and mentioned that CIPMN will recommend it for project management professionals.

“I think the book is interesting and I also think the author have the passion for think to be do right in the project management industry.

” This textbook is one of the textbook CIPMN is going to recommend for project management to obtain” Mr Mbadiwe said.

In his keynote address Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi, Vice Chancellor of Rivers State University (RSU), praised the book as a “beacon for those who strive for excellence in project execution.”

Prof Zeb – Obipi who was represented by Prof Zaccheaus Awortu Jeremiah of the department of Haernatology and blood transfusion sciences (RSU) said that in our fast – evolving world where innovation speed and impact determine success, the ability to manage projects effectively is no longer a luxury adding that is it an imperative.

He emphasized the importance of effective project management in today’s fast-evolving world.

“The book has been well-received and is seen as a valuable resource for project management professionals, students, and leaders”

The VC urge every reader to embrace these principles not just guidelines for project management but as a philosophy for professional excellent.

The chief book review Engr. Prof. Asinyetogha H. Igoni of RSU reviewed the book positively, highlighting its structure and content.

According to him the book have 24 chapters, divided into Part 1 and 2 with 208 pages.

Earlier the author’s of book Dr. Nwosa described the book as a “master class in real-world project delivery” shaped by years of practical experience and reflective learning.

Rivers

Security Agencies Engage Rivers Communities On Pipeline Protection

Published

4 days ago

May 1, 2025

The Tide

Security agencies have initiated discussions with communities in Rivers State to safeguard pipelines and other critical national assets situated in their domain.
The Commissioner of Police in the State, Olugbenga Adepoju, announced this development in a statement in Port Harcourt.
Adepoju stated that the talks were necessary to ease tension in the State.
He disclosed that the state’s Sole Administrator, retired Vice Adm. Ibok-Ete Ibas, had directed security agencies to collaborate closely with local communities to protect critical infrastructures.
According to him, security agencies participating in the initiative include the Police, Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, Department of State Services (DSS), and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
“These engagements with the communities aim to foster collaboration between security agencies and local stakeholders for the protection of critical national assets”, Adepoju explained.
He stated that the discussions commenced on April 25 between security operatives and community representatives in Abua/Odual, Emohua, Tai, Ogu/Bolo, Okirika and Eleme Local Government Areas (LGAs).
“During the dialogues with the community stakeholders, we addressed prevailing security issues and the general welfare of the residents.
“These discussions are essential in enhancing synergy between the communities and security agencies to protect vital infrastructure for the benefit of the national economy.
“The engagements also sought to identify challenges facing the communities beyond security, which will be communicated to the government for necessary attention , he stated.
The Commissioner of Police stated that during the meeting with stakeholders in Tai LGA, residents requested the rehabilitation of the Soghai Farm and creation of job opportunities.
Other issues raised by the people of Tai included insufficient staffing at health centres and schools in Bunu, Seme and Nonwa communities.
In Ogu/Bolo LGA, Adepoju reported that residents demanded the construction of a befitting police station, youth empowerment and employment initiatives, and an end to frequent robberies and kidnappings on the waterways.
“In Okirika LGA, stakeholders identified armed robbery as a major concern in the area and requested an increased police presence.
“They also called for the establishment of modular refineries, JAMB CBT centres, vocational training for youths, empowerment schemes for women, and the rehabilitation of the Daka Market”, he stated.
Adepoju further noted that during the engagement in Eleme LGA, residents expressed concerns over persistent electricity shortages and alleged criminal activities by herders in the area.
According to him, the people of Eleme also appealed to security agencies to intensify patrols and undertake a mop-up operation to remove illegal arms.
“In Emohua, community stakeholders appealed for adequate funding for local security outfits and the rehabilitation of primary healthcare centres.
“In Abua/Odual, residents urged the Sole Administrator of the State to initiate infrastructure projects, including the construction of roads, healthcare facilities, potable water systems, and youth empowerment programmes”, Adepoju concluded.