Rivers
LG Boss Explains Community’s Primary Healthcare Centre Project Execution
By: Theresa Frederick & Wokoma Emmanuel
Chairman of Emohua Local Government Council, Dr. Chidi Lloyd, says the construction of Omudioga Community Primary Healthcare Centre is one of the projects earmarked to be executed in the next phase of project distribution across the local government.
Speaking at a special general meeting organised by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ward 10, (Omudioga/Akpabu/Itu), held at State School 1, Lloyd said the construction of the centre is expected to commence in October.
According to him, the proposed healthcare center will upon completion be named in memory of a departed political leader in the community, Late Hon Amos Chukwuemeka, popularly known as Mr Earthquake, in recognition of his contribution to the development of the community.
Lloyd, who applauded the efforts of the leadership of Omudioga Community Development Committee and other organs of the community in sustaining the already existing peace and security in the area, stated that the construction of the proposed healthcare center can only be achieved with the collective support of stakeholders and residents of the community.
Enumerating the projects attracted to the community during his tenure in the State Assembly, the council chairman urged the people to reject politicians who come to them with empty promises at every electioneering period by reviewing what they have attracted to the area either with their previous positions or in the name of their political parties.
He stressed that the 2023 general election will be based on the track records of the performance of candidates and their political parties.
The council Chairman urged the people of Omudioga Community, particularly, and Ward 10 in general, to remain steadfast in their support for the leader and Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, stressing that “the only political party recognised and acceptable to the people of the area is the one led by Governor Nyesom Wike.”
He further stated that the essence of the general meeting was to sensitize the people on the importance of securing their Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) ahead of the next general election, while commending the ward executives and stakeholders for ensuring the success of the meeting.
Stakeholders across the three communities in ward 10 (Omudioga Akpabu and Itu) in their separate solidarity speeches congratulated Dr. Chidi Lloyd on what they called his sterling performance within one year in office.
They noted that this has led to the new narrative about Emohua LGA in the comity of LGAs in Rivers State, while reaffirming their loyalty to the leadership of Governor Nyesom Wike and their unflinching support for the administration of Dr. Chidi Lloyd.
The Emolga Council Boss was accompanied to the meeting by his wife, Lady Adanma Chidi-Lloyd.
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