Metro
Police Arrest One In Diobu Cult Clash
One person was feared killed when suspected members of a cult group clashed in the Mile One Diobu axis of in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.
It was gathered that the clash involved the D12 and BS members of the Degbam cult group.
A source, who narrated the incident to The Tide Metro said gunfire was heard within Akwuzu Street in Mile One, as residents scampered into their houses.
“Suddenly, people started running in different directions. Then, I heard gunshots. I think they shot someone. The man the suspected cultists shot ran some distance and later fell down. The people that shot him entered their vehicle and zoomed off,” the source who preferred anonymity added.
A member of a vigilante group, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told The Tide Metro that the suspected cultists were armed with dangerous weapons.
He described the attack as a reprisal, noting that the suspected cultists went in search of a rival group believed to be responsible for the killing of one of their members last week.
It was, however, learnt that some policemen from the Divisional Police Headquarters in Diobu went to the scene and reportedly evacuated the corpse of the slain suspected cultist.
Acting Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the state police command, Grace Iringe-Koko confirmed the incident, saying investigation was on to apprehend the suspects.
She said, “Yes, we are aware of the incident. We are still investigating to apprehend the suspects and make them face justice.”
Meanwhile, the police have arrested a notorious cultist who robs bolt drivers and club girls in Diobu area.
The Azikiwe Police Division at Iloabuchi, Mile 2 had on Wednesday arrested the suspect called Tallest who was linked to Dewell cult group at Azikiwe Street.
Tallest or Collins was said to be on police watch list for allegedly committing crime ranging from cultism, robbing of bolt drivers and club girls.
A combined team of security operatives led by Azikiwe Police Division, acting on credible intelligence stormed his hideout at the early hours of Wednesday and arrested him with three others.
The Tide Metro gathered that security operatives intensified search for the suspect after his gang members three weeks ago, in a bid to ensure his escape from security operatives who arrested him for robbery allegation in a brothel popularly known as 49 at Ojoto, Mile 2, attacked the security operatives with guns and other dangerous weapons which led to his escape.
A security source who spoke to The Tide Metro on anonymity disclosed that the suspect’s modus operandi is to book taxi or bolt drivers and later takes his victims to ride around town on gun point, and dispossess them of their valuables.
The suspect, it was also learnt visits high profile clubs in Port Harcourt, where under the pretence of patronising female commercial sex workers lurking around clubs. Once his victim agrees on a price, he takes her to a secluded area and robs her of her valuables, after having rounds of sex with them without paying them.
When contacted on phone, State Police public Relations Officer, DSP, Grace Oringe Koko told The Tide Metro that she would get back to give more details of the incidence.
Tide Metro however learnt the suspect has been transferred from Azikiwe Police Station to the Force Tactical Police Unit for thorough investigations and possible prosecution.
Metro
Firm Plans Hose Manufacturing Facility, Marks 21st Anniversary
An oil servicing firm, Fairtex Group, rolled out drums last weekend to celebrate it is 21st anniversary.
The ceremony was held at its new headquarters, in Elelenwo in Obio/ Akpor Local Government Area, of Rivers State where the firm acquired a massive parcel of land to build its new automobile fluid testing and hose manufacturing facilities.
It also used the event to unveil its “Equip 2026” to provide roadmap for its new diversification plans.
From a one room apartment in Ogbunabali 21 years ago, the firm has grown over the years with specialty in oil tool servicing and haulage to providing oil servicing solutions.
According to its Chairman/Executive Officer(CEO), Mr. Jacob Idungafa, the company has achieved its 2023 vision and hence, plans to diversify into automobile fluid testing and hose production for oil and chemical industrial uses.
Already, he disclosed that the company has begun talks with some South African and German firms on the setting up of a automobile jack system capable of providing jobs for the host community and impact on the nation’s economy.
The hose production is going to be a joint operation with a French firm, Aeroflex, as staffers will be sent abroad for training.
Since commencing operations in 2003, the firm has established branches in 14 countries in Africa that include Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, Angola and Cote d’Ivoire.
“One unique thing is that in all of these, we have not taken any loan facility from the banks. We are prudent and resourceful, “he said.
Idungafa said further, “We are not competing with anybody. We are just beginning and there is a lot to do.”
So far, he stated that it has achieved the Vision 2023 with the acquisition of land, addingthat Equip 2026 is to serve as a launch pad for greater future for the firm.
Some staff who spoke at the 21 st anniversary praised the commitment and hard work of their CEO, saying his steadfastness has helped the firm in the path of growth over the years.
Manager, Foreign and Local Procurement, Brightness Sambo said since she joined the company, she has learnt a lot in management and networking.
In her word, “You don’t have to see the immediate results because the future is certain…We are aiming to go outside Africa.”
Human Resources Manager of Fairtex, Ngozi Ndukwe thanked God for the company and the milestones it has achieved over the years, saying “Where there is a vision, the vision does not die and with God’s grace, we are headed somewhere.”
The firm’s Principal Accounting Officer, lbaraibim Ogolo said since she joined the company, she has grown in her professional competency, describing the CEO as a role model and hardworking personality.
Highlights of the 21st anniversary included a thanksgiving service at Just Jesus Assembly, Port Harcourt, a party at the company’s new site, special performance by staffers and cutting of the anniversary cake by the Managing Director and other guests.
By: Kevin Nengia
Metro
ELTHAN Celebrates World Poetry Day In PH
As part of activities to celebrate this year’s World Poetry Day, the English Language Teachers Association of Nigeria (ELTHAN), Rivers State Branch organised poetry sensitisation day for young secondary school students in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.
The event was held at Community Secondary School Elelenwo, as students from Archdeacon Brown Educational Centre, Woji and Government Girls Secondary School, Elelenwo participated.
Chairman of the programme, Dr. Sunday Igbigibereibim said the event is to raise public awareness on the importance of literature.
“ELTHAN sees this as a challenge and that is why we commemorate 21st March yearly as provided by the United Nations Educational Scientific Council (UNESCO)”, he stated.
He noted that literature is art, “there is need for literary scholars and enthusiasts all over the world to promote Literature.”
While counselling the students on how they can make a career from Literature, Dr. Igbigibereibim pointed out that a shift has occurred over the years from impressionistic to target writing.
On her part, State Secretary of ELTHAN, Salome Ikokoyo decried the decline of literature in the society.
She revealed that in the past years, students’ performance in Literature examinations has been abysmal.
Ikokoyo stated that, “ I think what is happening is a reflection of what the teachers do in the classroom. It’s a reflection of teachers’ performance. And it’s our responsibility as teachers to do what we are paid for.”
Once teachers of Literature improve in their teaching techniques, Ikokoyo believes that students’ performance will also improve.
On the other hand, she tasked students to put in more effort, “they need to read the text books, even though some of them are not interesting, but that is where hardwork is needed.”
Students from Archdeacon Brown Educational Centre, who spoke to The Tide Metro said they were motivated by performance.
One of the students, Esther Ogbebo said she learnt a lot from performance poetry, “ I would prefer Literature for leisure, but for those, who have the passion, they can pursue their career”.
For Deborah Ebiunor, the presentations were exciting, as she lamented that,” Literature is not being promoted in the country. And students need to be encouraged to learn.”
Highlights of the programme included dance, drama and poetry performance by some students, and from the popular folk poet, Biokpo Joshua.
Metro
‘PH Water Project Nearing Completion’
The ongoing Port Harcourt water and Sanitation Project (PHWSSP) is nearing 100 percent completion, says the Managing Director of the Rivers State Water Corporation, Chief Ibibia Walter.
The project was slowed down during the last quarter of 2023 and early this year, it has got a boost when Sir. Siminialayi Fubara administration approved compensation for some residents whose properties were affected by the water pipe expansion.
The Port Harcourt water project when completed is expected to cater for quality water needs of residents of Port Harcourt City and Obio/Akpor Local Government Areas of the State.
The Rivers State Government is working on the scheme to revive water and sanitation provision in the metropolis.
Based on the updated Replacement Action Plan (RAP), the payment of compensation has paved the way for the completion of the project.
African Development Bank whose counterpart funding had been stalled had since resumed after the government approval and subsequent release of funds for the project development objectives to be achieved by the middle of the year.
Meanwhile, the Managing Director of Rivers State Water Corporation, Chief Walter had expressed appreciation to Governor Siminalayi Fubara for the elevation of King Ateke Tom, Amanyanabo of Ancient Okochiri Kingdom to First Class stool and the promise to continue the Isaka Jetty project abandoned by the last administration.
Chief Walter who hails from Okrika is an indigene of Isaka and Chairman of Isaka Council of Chiefs as he expressed happiness over the developments.
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