Rivers
HYPREP Set To Clean Up Ogoni Shorelines …To Plant 5m Seedlings
The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) is now set to clean up polluted shorelines in Ogoni communities in Rivers State and at the end of the exercise plant about five million seedlings on the restored mangroves across Ogoniland.
The Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Dr Ferdinand Giadom gave this indication during a shorecline remediation sensitisation workshop at the council secretariat of Gokana Local Government Area in Kpor community on Tuesday.
Giadom said the remediation of shoreline inter-tidal areas fall under the semi- complex and complex sites, saying, it is the phase of remediation that most Ogoni people have been waiting for considering the vastness of pollution and damage to the saline environment and the swarming biodiversity that it hosts, stressing that the high expectation is borne out of the fact that remediation in the area can generate multiplied job opportunities for the teeming youths whose livelihoods and that of their dependents could be enhanced.
He noted that in preparation for take-off of the shoreline inter-tidal remediation, HYPREP has assessed a total area of 2,196 hectares and allotted same into 549 grids of 200 metres per grid, adding that the assessed coastlines are in B-Dere, K-Dere, Kpor and Goi communities in Gokana Local Government Area, which he said would host the pilot of the shoreline remediation and from there progress to the rest coastal communities where there is pollution.
According to him, the sensitisation programme was the first in the series of scheduled activities to commence the shoreline remediation works.
Giadom hinted that HYPREP would be transparent and principled in choosing the workforce that would be on site, as it would adopt the Bodo remediation model of open balloting to select the workers. The Bodo remediation model is acclaimed to be highly successful.
According to him, 60 per cent of the workforce will come through balloting and the remaining 40 per cent will be supplied by each community leadership.
He contended that those that would be chosen shall be trained and certified in the International Maritime Organisation (IMO Levels 1 and 2), and their supervisors will have the privilege of having IMO Level 3 certification, stressing that the IMO certification component of the shoreline remediation is a deliberate permanent effort to empower Ogoni youths to work on similar projects anywhere in the world.
The project coordinator said actual shoreline remediation work will commence at the end of the contracting processes and mobilisation of contractors to site, stressing that remediation work in the swamp shall include but not limited to removal of oily soaked debris and stumps, raking of alga mat, flushing of sediment, among others.
He indicated that the re-vegetation of the mangrove in particular would create massive jobs for those who will nurse the five million mangrove seedlings that would be planted, and listed those to benefit from the overall shoreline remediation to include middle level manpower like supervisors, office assistants, safety officers, nurses and first aiders, while the unskilled labour will be cleaners, security guards and community contact persons, saying, those are reserved positions for the communities but it does not in any way preclude any qualified persons in the communities that have higher skills from applying to work for the remediation companies.
Giadom solicited the support of the communities and other Ogonis for HYPREP to achieve set goals and objectives going by the enormous economic opportunities the shoreline remediation would generate for the people, saying, “We need not fight ourselves rather we should close ranks at this time and work together”.
The project coordinator cautioned against re-pollution of the environment after the clean-up exercise.
The highpoint of the event was the presentation of the Bodo Remediation model by the project coordinator, which is going to be adopted for the shoreline remediation of the impacted complex sites in Ogoniland.
By: Donatus Ebi
The Head of Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mrs Stella Dornubari Gbaraba, has charged the National Association of Ogoni Media House Workers (NAOMEW) World Wide, to be committed to professionalism, patriotism and effective service delivery in the discharge of their duties and rendering of patriotic gestures.
Mrs Gbaraba gave the charge yesterday when the NAOMEW, The Tide Chapter paid her a courtesy call in her office in Port Harcourt.
She expressed deep appreciation for the visit, and assured the Association of her commitment to being a worthy Ogoni Ambassador like late Mr Augustine Nwikinaka, former General Manager of the corporation, to promote the fortunes of the corporation, while counting on their unflinching encouragement, prayers and support to succeed.
“ I am very happy to receive the National Association of Ogoni Media House Workers (The Tide Chapter) today in my office. I am glad you people came to my office, for those that know me in a short while in the corporation, I am a serious-minded person. I heard that the time the corporation was functioning well was under the leadership of late Austin Nwikinaka. Any where I go to, I will rather come down and show working example and that is what the Ogoni person is known for. So I am always proud to associate myself with an Ogoni man, so your support means so much to me,” Mrs Gbaraba said.
She assured them of running an open-door policy in the management of the corporation, and urged stronger partnership between NAOMEW, other unions, interest groups, corporate organisations, institutions and the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation in professional service delivery.
Speaking on behalf of the NAOMEW, The Tide Chapter, the National Secretary of the association, Comrade Taneh Beemene welcomed her into The Tide family and also congratulated her on her very important appointment.
Taneh, who expressed confidence in her experience and abilities to deliver on her assignments, thanked her for the uncommon feats recorded in the corporation within her brief leadership. He said the corporation has been revived from its comatose status that predated her appointment.
“ Within your short time, you have given the corporation a remarkable facelift. We pray that God should give you the enablement to restore the dignity of the corporation. We have come to inform you that we are solidly behind you and will make our untiring contributions to make you succeed, “ he stated.
In his vote of thanks and closing remarks, the Chairman, National Union of Printing, Publishing and Paper Production Workers (NUPPPPROW), Comrade Keyirale Donatus Nwiueh thanked the Head of the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mrs Stella Dornubari Gbaraba for receiving the association in a warm manner, adding that she should count on the support of the association to succeed.
Kiadum Edookor
Niger Delta
OBALGA Sole Administrator Presents Brand New Fire Extinguishers To Council …Commiserates With Traders Over Rumuomasi Market Fire Incident …Commences Desilting Of Drainages
The Sole Administrator of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Dr Clifford Ndu Walter has presented 150 brand new fire extinguishers to the council.
Dr Walter who spoke to newsmen at the council premises at Rumuodumanya said the gesture was part of measures by his administration to ensure safety of lives and council property from unforeseen fire incidents.
He urged the staff of the council to ensure the safety of the extinguishers, while promising to engage experts to teach them how to handle and operate the extinguishers.
Meanwhile, Sole Administrator of Obio Akpor Local Government Council, Dr Clifford Ndu Walter has commiserated with traders at the Rumuomasi Market over the unfortunate fire incident that gutted parts of the market.
Dr Walter who visited the market to assess the level of damage caused by the fire, described it as unfortunate
Addressing the crowd of distressed traders and community members, Dr. Walter acknowledged the historical significance of the market, which was originally built under the administration of the former Obio/Akpor Chairman and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief (Barr.) Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON.
He noted that preliminary findings suggest the fire may have been caused by an electrical fault, though a full investigation is still underway.
“As a local government, we will constitute a thorough investigation team to determine the root cause of the fire,
“Most importantly, we thank God that no lives were lost. I want to assure our traders that the Local Government will not abandon you.
“We will also work with security operatives to safeguard salvaged goods and prevent further losses,” he said.
He encouraged traders to adopt stricter safety measures, especially concerning electrical appliances in markets prone to fire hazards.
“There are many ways fires can ignite, even without an open flame. Let us all be vigilant and prioritise safety,” he cautioned.
Dr. Walter also commended those who stepped in to assist during the emergency.
“We are grateful to all who helped salvage goods and support affected persons during the crisis. Your kindness embodies the spirit of Obio/Akpor. The forthcoming investigation will help us put preventive structures in place,” he said.
The Chairman of the market, Mr. Prince Adele, who accompanied Dr. Walter, during the inspection, identified K-Lane as the most severely affected area.
A statement by the information officer to the council, Ominini Leslie Wokoma said no incident of death was reported by the traders during the visit.
In another development, the Sole Administrator of Obio/Akpor local government council, Sir Clifford Ndu Walter, has commenced a comprehensive canal clearance campaign with a view to identifying and removal of all blockages including illegal structures hindering the free flow of waters in the area.
A statement from the council Press Secretary, Ominini Leslie Wokoma said during the inspection of key canals in the area, several unauthorised barricades and blockages were discovered and removed.
According to the statement, Dr Walter emphasised that illegal dumping, unapproved structures and poor drainage habits endanger communities and undermine government efforts, adding that his administration is committed to protecting lives and property of the citizens.
It said the Sole Administrator also declared his readiness to ensure that all canals and drainages are cleaned, maintained and functioning effectively.
He also warned against further dumping of waste in waterways, citing impending flooding.
National Youth Council of Nigeria, Rivers State Chapter, under the dynamic leadership of Amb. Ambrose Sopuruchukwu Okpor, has called on the result-oriented National President, Amb. Sokubo Saraigbe Sokubo, to re-contest.
This call stems from the overwhelming confidence reposed in him by Nigerian youths, based on his outstanding track record, charismatic leadership, and unwavering commitment to youth development.
This was contained in a statement made available to news men, yesterday.
Amb. Akpor explained that under the leadership of Amb. Sokubo the NYCN has experienced unprecedented progress in youth empowerment, advocacy, and national unity.
“I want to say that Amb. Sokubo’s ability to maintain harmony, sustainable peace, and foster an inclusive atmosphere within the youth leadership structure is a testament to his visionary and tactical approach to leadership.
“The Rivers State Chapter, with other progressive and stakeholders, believes he is best positioned to continue piloting the affairs of the Council towards greater heights”,he said.
The youth council chairman in the State further appeal to Sokubo to answer this noble call to serve once again, for the sake of continuity, growth, and the collective aspirations of Nigerian youths across the country.