Rivers

HYPREP Moves To Sustain Water Supply In Ogoni Communities …Sets Up Action Plan Committee

Published

3 years ago

May 20, 2022

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

Rivers

Eld Ogbu Bags Adventists Men Award…Pledge For Humanitarian Service

Published

3 days ago

November 3, 2025

The Tide

A former supervisory councillor for Health in Etche local government of Rivers state, Eld Chimezie Ogbu has been honoured with an excellent service Award by the Adventist men Organisation (AMO), Port Harcourt west mission.

Eld Chimezie Ogbu, received the award for alongside fifteen others for his contributions and support to the association and uplifting humanity.

Elder Chimezie Ogbu left receiving the Rivers west mission AMO Excellent Service Award from the former AMO Director and the former General manager, RSNC, Eld Vincent Ake during the extra ordinary meeting of AMO held at Rumuolumini, Sunday.

Speaking during an extra ordinary and end of year meeting, the Director of Adventist men Organisation, Port Harcourt west mission, Dr Sam Emejuru said the award was in recognition to Hon Ogbu’s contributions and support to the association, noting that Eld Chimezie Ogbu have been one of the sponsors of the Association in the mission.

Dr Emejuru who was a fomer chairman of the state secondary school Board noted invaluable contributions of the recipients to the association and the church at large and urged them to continue to be generous in the development of church and humanity.

In an interview with the tide, Hon Chimezie Ogbu, a serving elder in the seventh-day adventist church, Rumuolumeni District expressed appreciation to the Association, adding that the award will encourage him to do more

He highlighted the importance of investing in God’s vineyard and to help humanity and dedicated the award to God Almighty and members of his family.

Rivers

Rivers Landlords Petitions IG Over Alleged Move to Demolish Their Estate

Published

3 days ago

November 3, 2025

The Tide

Members of landlords of Ceenamore and Iroko Drives in Cedarwood Estate, Rumuaholu, in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, have urged the Inspector General of Police and the State Police Commissioner, CP Olungbenga Adepoju, to urgently act on the petition they sent to him regarding the alleged move by the Managing Director of Niger Delta Technology & property development Ltd, Engr. Stephen Nyegwa, to demolish their estate.

The group alleged that the MD of Niger Delta Logistics Limited had purportedly, through a court judgment notice, claimed that he had gotten an order to demolish the estate.

Speaking to journalists at the estate, Mr. Manuabuchi Elem Chioma, one of the affected landlords, said the call becomes very imperative following the continued harassment by Mr. Nyegwa and his associates, noting that they woke up and discovered that their houses have been marked for demolition.

Also speaking, Barrister Victor Okezie urged the police to act swiftly to save landlords of the estate from the impending problem, stressing that they are ready to comply if there is a confirmed valid court judgment.

Rivers

NLNG, NCDMB Launch ICT Hub To Boost Tech Skills In Nigeria

Published

3 days ago

November 3, 2025

The Tide

Nigeria Liquified Natural Gas (NLNG) and the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) have inaugurated an ultra-modern, specialised Information and Communication Technology (ICT) centre in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, for youth empowerment in innovations.
The fully equipped ICT centre, located at Baptist High School in the city, was inaugurated as part of the close-out ceremony for the Human Capital Development Basic Training Programme.
Executive Secretary, NCDMB, Mr. Felix Ogbe, stated this in a statement issued on Friday by the Manager of Corporate Communication and Public Affairs at NLNG, Mrs. Anne-Marie Palmer-Ikuku.
He described the ICT centre as a gateway to knowledge and innovation, as well as a window to future opportunities.
Represented by the organisation’s General Manager of Institutional Strengthening, Mr. Olugbenga Sheba, Ogbe explained that the project was designed to equip young Nigerians with digital skills to prepare them for a technology-driven world.
“The remodelled ICT centre is more than a building. It is a statement of belief that students here can learn coding, design, and innovation that connects them with the wider world.
“It represents our confidence that when given the right tools, Nigerian students can become creators, innovators, and entrepreneurs”, he said.
Ogbe commended NLNG for its continued collaboration with the NCDMB and its steadfast commitment to advancing Nigerian Content objectives.
He added that the partnership demonstrated what could be achieved through meaningful collaboration between government and corporate stakeholders, noting that such investments would help build a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria.
NLNG’s General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, Dr. Sophia Horsfall, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to compliance with Nigerian Content regulations and its dedication to improving lives sustainably.
She emphasised that NLNG was passionate about enhancing human capital development and promoting technological inclusion, both of which were aimed at improving employability and industry-relevant skills among young Nigerians.
According to Horsfall, the project aligns with NLNG’s vision of empowering communities through education and technology.
“The upgraded ICT centre, which complies with existing NCDMB regulations, is an investment that provides students with a modern learning environment and equips teachers with improved tools to deliver quality education”, she said.
The Tide reports that the ICT centre has been upgraded to a 40-seater facility and equipped with 20KVA solar and inverter system.
The facility also includes renovated classrooms and administrative buildings, as well as digital smart boards and modern learning tools.
Meanwhile, Palmer-Ikuku, in the statement, announced the graduation of 30 trainees under the Human Capital Development Basic Training Programme jointly organised by both organisations.
She stated that the trainees earned international certifications after completing rigorous training in Engineering, Marine Operations, Health, Safety and Environment (HSE), and Entrepreneurship, among other disciplines.
According to Palmer-Ikuku, the training underscores the shared mission of NLNG and NCDMB to build local capacity, promote technological inclusion, and support Nigeria’s broader vision of sustainable development through education and skill acquisition.