Rivers

EMOLGA Set To Resume Project Commissioning In 2023

Published

3 years ago

December 21, 2022

Emohua Local Government Area (LGA) is set to witness another phase of project commissioning across the LGA in no distant time, following the speedy progress of work at different project sites in the area.
This is coming on the heels of harvest of projects witnessed during the one year anniversary celebration of the LGA Chairman, Dr. Chidi Lloyd, in July 2022.
Recall that Dr Lloyd was widely celebrated for his untiring willingness to reposition the LGA for rapid development through his administration’s aggressive infrastructural revolution.
On Monday, the LGA boss embarked on an unscheduled inspection of projects being executed simultaneously by his administration across the LGA, to ascertain the progress of work and enforce strict compliance with the specifications and stipulated delivery dates for the projects ahead of the next phase of project commissioning in the area.
At the council headquarters in Emohua where the construction of the 350 capacity Emohua council ICT studio named after Chief Emeka Woke is already nearing completion, he expressed satisfaction with the progress and quality of work done.
He encouraged the contractor handling the project to intensify effort and ensure timely delivery and handover of the project for commissioning.
Also, the 500 seater Emohua council pavilion (Mini Stadium) conceptualized by the administration of Dr. Lloyd to provide comfortable accommodation for gatherings of large crowd of people in the council headquarters, is also expected to be completed before the next phase of project commissioning by the Council.
Lloyd also inspected within the council headquarters the construction of Emohua Local Government administrative building, where the council chairman commended the contractor handling the project for the quality of work done on the roof framework and concrete casting of the pent house.
Other projects inspected within the council headquarters include: the reconstruction and remodeling of Emohua Council Legislative Assembly Complex; the construction of the new office complex for medical personnel and staff of the local government primary healthcare center, and the construction of cold chain facility for the storage of vaccines and other temperature sensitive clinical tools of the healthcare center.
There was also the ongoing construction of the council warehouse, all conceived and executed simultaneously by the present administration.
Meanwhile, preparations are in top gear for asphalt laying on the Uke-Eli road and its extension conceived and constructed in Rundele by the administration of Dr. Lloyd, following the completion of surface drainage channels on both sides of the road.
The LG boss also visited the Uke-Eli road project site to ascertain the progress of work at the site, where he charged the contractor handling the Uke-Eli Road Project and its extension to ensure that the project is delivered in line with its specifications and stipulated time.
Uke-Eli Road is one of the four road projects conceived and executed simultaneously across Emohua LGA by the administration of Dr. Chidi Lloyd, which came on board on the 17th July 2021.
With the commissioning of Eveku Community Road (the first amongst the four) in July 2022 and the ongoing surface preparation for asphalt laying on Uke-Eli Road (the 2nd amongst the 4), Dr. Chidi Lloyd is left with Ubimini Community Road and Chief Nyesom Wike Drive in Akpabu Community to set a new standard as the first ever Local Government Chairman to conceive and complete four different road projects in four different communities within a term of three years in the history of Local Government Government administration not only in Rivers State, but in Nigeria at large.

By: Theresa Fredrick & Charity Amiso

Rivers

2026 Boy Child Day: Association Seeks Intentional Mentoring

Published

4 days ago

May 18, 2026

The Tide

As the world marked the 2026 International Day of the Boy Child last Saturday, the Rivers Secondary Schools Old Boys and Girls 1983 Set Association has called for deliberate investment in raising boys who will become responsible heads of homes.

In a press release signed and issued by the Secretary-General of the Association, Dr. Ibinabo Ogolo, to commemorate the day, the Association said the future stability of Nigerian families depends on how intentionally boys are raised and guided.

Speaking on behalf of the Set, President of the Association, Barrister Tubokomba Mcdonald Harry, she said the theme of this year’s global celebration, “Boys to Men: Adopting Good Habits and Attitudes”, must move beyond slogans to daily practice in homes, schools, and communities.

“For years, advocacy has rightly centered on the girl child. That work must continue. But we cannot ignore the other side”, Barrister Harry stated.

“A boy who grows up without guidance, emotional literacy, and responsibility often becomes a man who struggles to lead, provide, and protect. If we want stable homes in 2040, we must invest in boys now”, he said.

He emphasized that being “head of the home” is about stewardship, not power: “The man who leads a home well is emotionally responsible, financially disciplined, morally upright, and a true partner to his spouse. These qualities are learned from childhood, through what boys see, hear, and practice.”

The Association noted that many boys currently learn manhood by default from peers, social media, and entertainment that equate masculinity with aggression and silence about pain.

To change this, the 1983 Set urged fathers and mentors to be present and active, schools to integrate life skills such as conflict resolution and financial literacy, and communities and faith groups to establish mentorship programmes where older men guide younger ones.

The press release also linked the issue to Africa’s wider goals, noting that the 2026 Day of the African Child focuses on water, sanitation, and hygiene.

“A boy trained to solve real problems becomes a man who ensures dignity for his family and community”, Harry said.

The Association concluded with a call to mothers, fathers, and boys themselves to take ownership of the task of raising responsible future leaders.

International Day of the Boy Child is observed globally on May 16. It is a day that focuses on the well-being, mental health and positive development of boys.

Rivers

Ogoni Landlords Seek Inclusion In Planned Oil Resumption Process

Published

4 days ago

May 18, 2026

The Tide

Flemotongha Miebi/Fortune Wokeh/Akpos David/Esuuk Oyet/Edughom Suotor

Landlords in Ogoni, under the aegis of Gokana,Tai, Eleme, and Khana United Landlords Association (GOTEKA) have called for inclusion in the ongoing negotiation over the planned resumption of oil production in Ogoniland.

The landlords,who made the call during its formal inauguration recently in Port Harcourt, also called for proper compensation, clear legal agreements, and inclusive dialogues in the entire process

Chairman of the Association, Professor George Ema, said any resumption of oil exploration in ogoniland without proper consultation with host communities and land owners will be resisted.

George said, while the association expressed support for the planned return of oil activities in ogoniland under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, key historical issues must be addressed to avoid a repeat of earlier conflicts that led to the suspension of oil operations in the area.

According to GOTEKA, past disagreements between oil companies, political leaders, and host communities caused crises, court cases, and long-term disruption of oil production in Ogoni land, adding that these problems were responsible for the high level of poverty warranted by economic stagnation, social unrest, pipeline vandalism, and many legal battles in the area.

The landlords also referenced the struggles led by late environmental activist, Ken Saro-Wiwa, and the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP), which opposed Shell’s activities in Ogoni land, resulting in years of unrest and court cases.

They stressed that the renewed plan for oil exploration must be guided by proper Memoranda of Understanding (MOU), fair compensation, and the direct involvement of landlords in negotiations to prevent cheating and conflict.

The group also raised concern over what they described as a repeated “divide and rule” approach in handling oil compensation in Ogoni. They said there is a lack of proper MOUs between oil companies and landlords, while compensation often goes to political leaders and traditional rulers instead of the real landowners.

GOTEKA added that land in Ogoni is owned by individuals and families, not the entire community.

According to the group, “under traditional land rules, owners have full rights over their land and can decide how it is used, including selling or leasing it. So, there must be proper agreement spelt out in the MOU, which must be signed by all the parties involved to avoid legal battles.

The group urged government, oil companies, and political leaders to respect traditional land ownership and adopt honest dialogue and peaceful negotiation in resolving issues.

Rivers

Police Warn Rivers Students Against Cultism, Drug Abuse

Published

4 days ago

May 18, 2026

The Tide

The Divisional Crime Officer (DCO) of Rumuodomaya Police Station, CSP Dindara Dadamu, has warned students in Rivers State against involvement in cultism and other criminal activities, stressing that such acts could lead to imprisonment and destruction of their future.

He gave the warning recently during an anti-cultism and drug abuse sensitisation programme organised by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) at Den-Bec Group of Schools in Port Harcourt.

Dadamu stated that the law does not exempt minors from punishment, noting that children from the age of 12 could still be prosecuted for criminal offences.

According to him, many young people are lured into cultism through peer pressure and bad company. He urged the students to be mindful of the friends they associate with.

The DCO stressed that ignorance of the law would not protect anyone from facing the consequences of unlawful conduct.

Also speaking, a representative of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mr. Ejiofor Ifeanyi, described cultism and drug abuse as destructive habits capable of ruining academic ambitions and promising careers.

He advised the students to avoid negative influences and remain focused on their education and personal development.

A mental health expert, Mr. Victor Akeni, noted that cultism and illicit drug use contribute significantly to emotional instability, fear and poor academic performance among youths.

He explained that cult members often live under constant fear of attacks and reprisals, making it difficult for them to concentrate on their studies or live peacefully.

The sensitisation programme brought together security agencies, mental health professionals, teachers and students as part of efforts to discourage social vices among young people.

The Managing Director of NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, who spoke through a representative, Mrs. Anna West, encouraged the students to take advantage of opportunities provided through education and technology rather than engaging in unlawful activities.

Ogbuku also warned that cultism and drug abuse could result in imprisonment, violence and untimely death, and urged the students to embrace discipline, hard work and positive values.

By: King Onunwor