Rivers
HYPREP Moves To Sustain Water Supply In Ogoni Communities …Sets Up Action Plan Committee
The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has organised a two-day workshop on sustainable potable water supply to Ogoni communities in Rivers State with a view to making the various ongoing water projects embarked upon by the project, on completion, to stand the test of time.
To this end, HYPREP at the end of the event, set up a high powered committee to fashion out a water policy framework for sustainable potable water supply to the Ogoni communities, comprising experts, community representatives and other Ogoni stakeholders.
The workshop, which commenced on Tuesday in Port Harcourt, attracted personalities from far and near, and terminated on Wednesday, with a visit to the water project sites in Khana, Gokana, Tai and Eleme Local Government Areas.
In his address, the Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Dr Ferdinand Giadom said the provision of potable water is a key derivable of the project as recommended for implementation in the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Report on Ogoniland.
Giadom noted that Ogoni is not a virgin land when it comes to water schemes as the place is replete with all kinds of water facilities ranging from mono-pumps, neighbourhood water scheme to even the urban type with city wide reticulation, provided at various times by different donors and government agencies.
He, however, indicated that what is lacking is sustainability plan that had rendered all such efforts at providing potable water for the people moribund.
“Hence, the communities are left with no option than to resort to self-help even when their skies are decorated by large overhead water towers and their neighbourhoods dotted with never flowing water taps”, he said.
While highlighting the fact that the mission of HYPREP to provide safe drinking water for Ogoni communities began in earnest in 2021 when former Minister of Environment, Dr Mohammad Abubakar flagged off the construction of six water contracts in Bori, Giadom said lack of sustainability, which has been the bane of all previous efforts to provide potable water in Ogoni is the reason for the convocation of the workshop.
According to him, the workshop is intended to harvest the participants’ rich wealth of experience on how to run an enduring regional water scheme in Ogoni that meets international benchman.
“A water scheme that will train local hands to maintain to standard the facilities that we are installing. A water scheme that the people can call their own in every sense of the word for its protection and profitability. A water scheme that its model can be replicated in other communities of the Niger Delta. This water scheme we believe will put a final stop to the problem of water shortage in Ogoniland”, he said.
Giadom further indicated that as a first step, towards achieving the sustainability plan of the water projects, HYPREP has commenced discussions with the relevant authorities to connect Ogoniland to the national grid.
In his goodwill message, the Manager, Ogoni Restoration Project, Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), Dr Vincent Nwabueze expressed delight over the workshop, stressing that a lot of water schemes were installed in Ogoniland but could not see the light of day.
He noted that the essence of having the worksop was to ensure that the whole of Ogoniland has sustainable drinking water, saying, “SPDC is declaring our solidarity and support to this project”.
On his part, GbenemeneTuaTua Tai and Paramount Ruler of Kpite Tai, King Samuel Nnee thanked the management of HYPREP for the bold step to ensure that Ogoni people reap the full benefits of the ongoing water projects, saying, “Water is life. We will do all we can to support HYPREP”.
Also, the Natural and Paramount Ruler of Barako Community, Mene Kadilo Kabari commended HYPREP for the water project initiative, and affirmed that the project is actually constructing a brand new water project in his area.
One of the resource persons at the event and Professor of Engineering and Environmental Geology at the University of Port Harcourt, Prof. Enuvie Akpokodje, stressed the need for collaboration, saying, it is key for the water projects to be sustainable. Effective community participation, he said was important.
He also harped on the need for all HYPREP projects not to be politicised.
An institute and governance expert, Prof. Johnson Otun also presented a thought-provoking keynote paper geared towards sustainability of potable water supply in Ogoniland.
However, the presentation of Engr. Joseph Iyaye of the Bonny Utility Company Water Sustainability Model, actually set the tone of the general discussions.
The participants stressed the need for Ogoni communities to be connected to the national grid even as solar power and wind will facilities should be installed to power the water projects.
On administration, it was agreed by the participants that there should be a management water board with training components. It was also agreed that funding of the projects should not be left in the hands of government but funded by the people themselves.
The participants stressed the need for sensitisation to be intensified so as to improve security at the water project sites.
By: Donatus Ebi
The Eze Oha Evo III of Evo Kingdom, Nyerisi Eli Woji (Eze Woji XII), His Majesty, King Prof. Leslie Nyebuchi Eke, Eze Gbakagbaka, has called on communication professionals to rise above routine narratives and become vanguards in rebuilding public trust in the face of Nigeria’s challenging economic realities.
The revered monarch made the charge while delivering the Chairman’s Opening Remarks at the 2025 Annual Conference of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Rivers State Chapter, held in Port Harcourt, with the theme: “Refocusing Stakeholders’ Engagement and Public Trust in a Challenging Economy.”
The event, which drew leading figures in public communication, governance, and industry, witnessed presentations, keynote addresses and robust deliberations aimed at repositioning the PR profession to respond to national realities with innovation and integrity.
In his remarks, HM Eke commended the Rivers State Chapter of NIPR, led by Rev. Francis Asuk, for what he called its unwavering commitment to professionalism, knowledge-sharing, and continuous dialogue on issues affecting the nation’s social and institutional fabric.
He noted that the theme of the conference could not have been more appropriate, considering the current national climate where public confidence in institutions is at an all-time low, and economic uncertainties have strained relationships between stakeholders and the state.
“We are living in a season when trust has become a scarce commodity. Citizens are asking tough questions, and institutions are struggling to maintain credibility. In such a time, the role of the Public Relations professional becomes even more crucial”, he said.
The Eze Gbakagbaka, who is the Chairman, Supreme Forum of Ikwerre Government Recognized Traditional Rulers, noted that Public Relations practitioners must understand their strategic role as mediators between the people and the truth, adding that the tools of their trade: honest communication, transparency, and empathy, must be wielded with renewed purpose and patriotism.
“You are the bridge between the people and the truth; between perception and reality. Your work determines whether society believes, doubts, or hopes again. Let this conference remind us that trust is not demanded, it is earned”, he urged.
He emphasized that the restoration of trust in both public and private sectors requires consistent, deliberate, and sincere stakeholder engagement.
According to him, when communication is driven by integrity, not propaganda, society will gradually find its voice and confidence once again.
“With transparent communication and genuine engagement, even in a difficult economy, confidence can be restored”, the monarch said, urging the delegates to see themselves not just as professionals, but as nation-builders with a moral obligation to influence public perception positively.
The Evo apex King, who is also a Fellow of the Institute, called on participants to approach the discussions with open minds and patriotic intent, stressing that every contribution must be geared towards rebuilding national cohesion and institutional trust.
“With a deep sense of honour and responsibility”, he declared, “I, His Majesty, King Leslie Nyebuchi Eke, JP, Eze Gbakagbaka, Eze Oha Evo III of Evo Kingdom, Nyerisi Eli Woji (Eze Woji XII) and Chairman, Supreme Forum of Ikwerre Government Recognized Traditional Rulers, formally declare open the 2025 Annual Conference of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Rivers State Chapter to the glory of God and for the good of our society.”
At a post conference courtesy call at the instance of the Eze Gbakagbaka, the President of the Association, Dr. Ike Neliaku, described the Kung as an astute Fellow who is determined to add colour to the Institute regardless of any odds.
Also, the Council Member, Pastor Palunius Nsirim, who corroborated the President’s position, noted that His Majesty’s recognition was something valid given his contributions to the growth of the association.
“We value your presence with us. We will continue to benefit from your wise counsel. We won’t take your support for granted”, he said.
Climax of the visit was the decoration of Dr. Neliaku by the Evo apex King as a Honorary citizen of the Kingdom.
By: King Onunwor
The Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited has called on Africans to take a more proactive role in shaping the continent’s energy future, urging them to move beyond being mere raw material suppliers to becoming key players in the global LNG market.
Speaking at the Africa Energy Week (AEW) 2025 in South Africa, NLNG’s Deputy Managing Director, Olakunle Osobu, emphasized that Africa has the resources, position, and ambition to double its share of the global LNG market within the next decade.
With Africa having over 850 trillion cubic feet of natural gas reserves, Osobu noted that Nigeria, as the continent’s LNG pioneer, has a duty to lead.
He cited the NLNG Train 7 expansion project, which will increase the company’s capacity from 22 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) to 30 MTPA, as a demonstration of sustained leadership.
Osobu stated that emerging LNG frontiers across the continent represent over 45 MTPA of potential new supply, which could raise Africa’s LNG output from 70 MTPA to 120 MTPA by 2035, consolidating the continent’s standing as a global LNG hub.
He, however, warned that competitiveness, financing, and domestic responsibility remain significant challenges for Africa’s LNG industry.
Osobu stressed the need for Africa’s LNG journey to balance supplying the world reliably, catalysing African industrialisation, and demonstrating sustainability in line with global decarbonisation goals.
The Africa Energy Week 2025, organised by the African Energy Chamber, brought together policymakers, investors, and industry leaders to shape Africa’s energy future.
By: Tonye Nria-Dappa
The management of Daewoo Engineering and Construction Nigeria limited, a multinational construction company currently working on the NLNG Train 7 in Bonny Island, Rivers State, has restated its commitment to transperancy and accountability in tax administration.
The company, which said this in a press release made available to newsmen in Port Harcourt, also clarified that the conflict over the issue of tax deduction at the site has been resolved in collaboration with the Rivers State Internal Revenue Service (RIRS).
According to the release signed by the Community Affairs and Security Manager of the company, Benard Ewubare, the clarification has become necessary inview of recent misunderstandings regarding tax deduction and clearance certificate.
The company added that the resolution was in line with the review carried out by the RIRS.
According to the release, “Daewoo Engineering and Construction Nigeria Limited (DECN) hereby announces that all matters concerning tax deductions at the NLNG Train 7 Project site have been fully clarified and conclusively resolved in cooperation with the Rivers State Internal Revenue Service (RIRS).
“Following recent misunderstandings regarding tax deductions and clearance certificates, DECN requested the RIRS to review and verify the company’s overall tax compliance.
“During the official review process, the RIRS confirmed the following key points”, the release stated.
It also said All Tax Identification Numbers (TINs) and Tax Clearance Certificates (TCCs) issued to DECN personnel are authentic, valid, and duly issued by the Rivers State Internal Revenue Service while, DECN’s tax deductions, remittances, and filings have been accurately and transparently executed in full compliance with Nigerian tax laws.
The company further added that there are no longer outstanding tax liabilities, discrepancies, or irregularities associated with it.
It further said that, “To ensure continued transparency and prevent future misunderstandings, DECN also conducted a short simulation demonstrating how employees can independently verify their tax information through the RIRS online platform.
“This practical step further reinforced confidence among workers and stakeholders regarding the company’s compliance and accountability.
“DECN extends its sincere appreciation to the Rivers State Internal Revenue Service, the Bonny Local Government Council, the Welders and Fitters Association, the media, and all stakeholders for their cooperation and support throughout this process.
“The company reaffirms that the tax matter has been completely resolved, confirming DECN’s strong commitment to transparency, due process, and sound corporate governance.
“DECN remains dedicated to maintaining a compliant, trustworthy, and productive working environment as it continues the successful delivery of the NLNG Train 7 Project”, it said.
By: John Bibor
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