Rivers

2023: LG Boss Assures On Emohua Votes

Published

3 years ago

January 6, 2023

Chairman of Emohua Local Government Area (LGA), Dr Chidi Lloyd, says the people of the area cannot wait for the 2023 general election to register their appreciation to Governor Nyesom Wike for his numerous infrastructural projects across the area.
He said the electorate in Emohua LGA “are going to speak with their voters’ cards come February 2023 to repay the Governor for his loving kindness to the people of the area, both in project distribution and recognition”.
He said this will be by adhering to the Governor’s directive on the candidates to support in all the elective positions in the 2023 general election.
Dr. Chidi Lloyd stated this in his address at the flag-off ceremony for the construction of Akpabu/Egbeda Road in Emohua LGA undertaken by the Rivers State government, held in Egbeda Community, Emohua LGA.
According to him, he has no reason to regret his political detour back to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) under the leadership of Governor Nyesom Wike, stressing that his return to the PDP has attracted numerous infrastructure projects to the people of Ishimbam district of Emohua LGA in particular, and Emohua LGA in general.
The Council boss said the presence of Rivers State Government in the Ishimbam district after his return to the PDP did not only raise his political profile amongst his people, but also increased the followership and support for the PDP and the Governor in the area.
He lambasted those who insinuated that the Akpabu/Egbeda Road is of no value to the people of the area, describing the statement as shameful and regrettable.
Lloyd, who recalled that Governor Wike had visited the area on Monday, the 2nd day of January 2023, to flag of Itu-Odido Road, only to return to the area two days later to flag off Akpabu/Egbeda Road (Phase 2) barely one month after the Governor had commissioned the 1st phase of the Akpabu/Egbeda Road, said a lot of persons wonder what he has done for the Governor to deserve all he has been able to attract from the State Government to his people under the leadership of Wike.
While performing the groundbreaking ceremony, Governor Wike enjoined the people of the area to galvanise and mobilise support for candidates of the PDP in Rivers State ahead of the 2023 general election, stressing that the victory of the PDP in the state is an assurance of many more developmental projects in the area.
The Governor, who also announced the approval for the construction of Egbeda internal roads, commended the people of the area for their unwavering support and loyalty to his administration and the PDP in Rivers State, and directed the State Commissioner for Works to work out modalities for the take off of the Egbeda internal roads project which he said would be awarded to MCC, an indigenous construction company already handling the Akpabu/Egbeda Road project.
Wike, who noted the inability of the administration of former Governor Rotimi Amaechi to develop Egbeda Community, the maternal home of the former Governor, after eight years of his administration, said he will ensure that Egbeda people enjoy the presence of his administration even if his own mother is not a native of the community.
He said the approval for the construction of Egbeda internal roads is in fulfilment of his campaign promise to the people in 2015, promising to complete and commission the project before the expiration of his tenure in May 2023.

By; Theresa Fredrick & Charity Amiso

Rivers

100 Days: UPTH CMD Harps On Brain Drain, Anti-Corruption

Published

4 days ago

April 20, 2026

The Tide

The Chief Medical Director of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), Prof. Chituru Godswill Orluwene, has identified brain drain and corruption as critical challenges confronting Nigeria’s health sector.

Orluwene, who made this known during a press briefing to mark his first 100 days in office, in Choba, declared that his administration is tackling both issues headlong as part of efforts to reposition the institution.

He noted that the stewardship session was aimed at rendering account of his leadership and setting a transparent benchmark for performance going forward.

“This 100 days is to render stewardship and give account of our activities, while we tackle corruption headlong within the system”, he said.

Addressing concerns over the exodus of medical professionals, the CMD said, poor working conditions have contributed significantly to brain drain, but that ongoing reforms are beginning to address these challenges.

He expressed optimism in the efforts of the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, adding that, Government is repositioning the health sector, especially in remuneration and infrastructure.

On corruption, Prof. Orluwene stressed, “We have taken decisive steps to block all financial leakages and ensure accountability in our operations.”

He disclosed that a staff verification exercise exposed irregularities, stating that “Out of over 4,000 staff on the payroll, only about 2,000 presented themselves for verification.

“As a result, over 1,000 salaries have been stopped due to discrepancies identified during the exercise.”

Highlighting policy reforms, the CMD said, feeding of patients has now been standardized at ?5,000 for three meals, while other charges have been reviewed downward.

On infrastructure, he said “The Accident and Emergency Department was in a poor state before, but today it has undergone massive renovation.”

Speaking on power supply, he revealed: “With the solar power project on ground, UPTH will soon enjoy 24-hour electricity supply. Our goal is to make UPTH a hub for medical tourism in the near future.”

By: King Onunwor

Rivers

Social Welfare Ministry Accepts UNIPORT’s Training, Vulnerable Database Proposal

Published

4 days ago

April 20, 2026

The Tide

The Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation has revealed that it will consider new proposals by the University of Port Harcourt to engage its staff on refresher training and a state-wide database initiative for vulnerable persons, to ensure efficient service delivery and data-driven planning in the state.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Lauretta Davies-Dimpka, disclosed this when she received a delegation from the University of Port Harcourt, led by a Professor of Social Work and Community Development, Prof. Daniel Uranta, which also include some of his PhD students, during a courtesy visit to her office, Friday.

She described the visit as “timely to get our staff up to speed regarding current standards in social work practice”, and assured the visiting team that their proposals, including a one-month certificate programme for staff and a Child Rights Implementation/Enforcement Committee, would be reviewed.

She added that the ministry’s doors are open for collaboration and partnership, noting that with collaborative effort, social work will achieve greater impact and professionalism in the state.

Earlier, Prof. Uranta said the visit was to formally introduce himself and seek collaboration to strengthen the existing partnership between the university and the ministry.

He proposed four key areas of cooperation: refresher training for ministry staff, a one-month certificate programme on social work for staff, development of a state-wide database for vulnerable persons across the 23 Local Government Areas of the state, and strengthening of a Child Rights Implementation/Enforcement Committee.

The UNIPORT Professor noted that the proposals are aimed at improving case management and welfare response across the state.

The courtesy visit ended on a cordial note, with both parties expressing willingness to collaborate and review the proposals.

Rivers

Ogoloma Fishermen Association Laud Okrika Chair On Grassroots Dev

Published

4 days ago

April 20, 2026

The Tide

The Fishermen Association of Ogoloma Community has commended the Executive Chairman of Okrika Local Government Council, Chief Hon. Akuro Alfred Tobin, for his commitment to grassroots development and the empowerment of local fishermen.

The Association made the commendstion during a courtesy “thank-you” visit by members of the association to the council chairman, following the distribution of fishing equipment aimed at boosting productivity and livelihoods within the riverine community.

Speaking during the visit, Chief Tobin expressed gratitude to the fishermen for their show of appreciation, noting that their success remains a top priority of his administration.

He stated that the empowerment initiative through the provision of fishing canoes, nets, and hooks was designed to enhance economic activities and improve living standards in Ogoloma and other parts of Okrika.

“I am encouraged by your visit and your progress so far. This administration is committed to supporting our local fishermen to thrive. There will be a second phase of the human capital development programme, and we will do even more to uplift the fishing community,” the Chairman assured.

The Chairman reiterated his administration’s dedication to inclusive development, stressing that empowering local industries such as fishing is key to sustainable economic growth in the region.

Responding on behalf of the Association, its spokesperson, Elder Kaizer Kiniminabo, conveyed heartfelt appreciation to the council boss.

He acknowledged the impact of the empowerment programme on the fishermen’s productivity and welfare.

“On behalf of our matron, Hon. Linda Stewart Somiari, and Hon. Royal Ateke, we express our sincere gratitude to the Executive Chairman for his magnanimity and commitment to the well-being of fishermen in Ogoloma. We pray for the continued success of his administration,” Kiniminabo stated.

As a token of appreciation, the association presented gifts, including dry fish and other locally sourced items to the chairman, symbolizing their gratitude and support.

The visit highlights the growing collaboration between local authorities and community stakeholders in fostering development and economic empowerment across Okrika Local Government Area.

By: Michael T. Abraham