Rivers

We’re Not Betrayers, LG Boss Declares

Published

3 years ago

January 4, 2023

Chairman of Emohua Local Government Area (LGA), Dr. Chidi Lloyd, has stated that he and his people are not betrayers but rather persons conscious of time and reality.
He said a lot of people did not understand the difference between betrayal and understanding time and reality in life.
Dr. Lloyd opined that every experienced politician and leader must understand when time is up and be able to take critical decisions in the interest of their people, stressing that he returned to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) because of the reality of the fact that there was no other political party in Rivers State than the PDP.
The Council Chairman stated this in his address at the flag-off ceremony for the construction of Itu-Odido Road in Emohua LGA conceived and being executed by the Nyesom Wike-led Rivers State Government, held in Itu Community.
Lloyd, who expresed gratitude to Governor Wike for executing several infrastructure projects for his people, described the Rivers State Governor as a leader with a very large heart.
He said “Wike is not the kind of leader who knows what community that deserves a road project and the one that doesn’t”, stressing that “the Governor’s rural development programme is devoid of political vindictiveness and victimisation”.
The council boss said the Rivers State Governor has written his name in the sands of time with the approval of the construction of Odido Road, which he described as the first ever government presence in the community.
According Dr. Lloyd, Odido people are by descent a community from Ahoada-West LGA who migrated to Emohua LGA and settled in an island surrounded by water between Emohua and Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni LGAs but geographically situated in Emohua LGA.
He commended the Governor for discovering Odido community and approving the creation of an access road to the community, linking the Island to neighbouring Itu and Akpabu communities in Emohua LGA and other parts of Rivers State.
He stated that it took a passionate leader like Governor Wike to extend development to such rural community with neither a prominent politician nor any economic establishment.
Speaking further, Dr. Lloyd said his vehicle drove into Odido community on Christmas day, 25th December 2022, after the construction company handling the road project had mobilised to site, marking the first ever vehicular movement into Odido community since the community was founded.
According to him, the people of Odido community and their neighbouring Itu and Akpabu communities will forever remain grateful to Governor Wike for his administration’s unequalled show of love and kindness, and are committed to reciprocating the governor’s gesture with their permanent voter cards in the 2023 general election.
The elated EMOLGA Council boss said construction of the Odido road has rekindled the hope of the inhabitants of the Island after years of negligence by successive administrations.
In his address before the groundbreaking ceremony, Wike commended the Council Chairman for drawing his attention to Odido community, stating that the essence of politics is to attract government presence to one’s area.
The Governor noted that the Emohua council chairman has been able to attract a good number of meaningful projects to his area since he rediscovered himself and returned to his original political family in Rivers State.
He lambasted former Governor Rotimi Amaechi for neglecting the area, amid the sacrifices and unwavering support he enjoyed from Dr. Chidi Lloyd during his administration.
Wike said he was happy that the Odido community, which he has never heard of, was discovered and given a motorable road in his own time as Governor of Rivers State.
He said the expression of joy and happiness by the people of the area at the flag off ceremony was an assurance of victory for the Rivers PDP in all polling units in the area in the 2023 general election.
In his project description, the honourable Commissioner, Rivers State Ministry of Works, Dr. Alabo George-Kelly, said the road project, which is expected to have about 22 metres long bridge, will upon completion before the end of administration of Governor Nyesom Wike, become the first ever asphalted road in the history of Odido community.
Highlight of the occasion was the entry of the Governor and his entourage into Odido Community immediately after the flag-off ceremony amidst cheers from the crowd of residents of the island.

By: Theresa Fredrick & Charity Amiso

Rivers

Residents Embrace MNCH Week Services In PH

Published

3 days ago

June 17, 2026

The Tide

Antenatal care and immunization services recorded high patronage during the just-concluded Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) Week as residents in various communities across Port Harcourt took advantage of the free healthcare interventions.

The exercise, which was aimed at improving maternal and child well-being, attracted women, caregivers and children to different health facilities where a range of free healthcare services were provided.

Findings from selected health centres visited during the exercise showed encouraging participation by beneficiaries despite a few operational challenges experienced by health workers.

At Ozuboko Health Centre, the doctor in charge, Dr. Flag Amachree, said the facility recorded a good turnout throughout the exercise.

The Tide gathered that the team of immunization officers embarked on outreach immunization activities to schools to ensure that more children benefited from the programme.

She, however, identified inadequate supplies of deworming tablets as a challenge, noting that available stocks were being carefully managed to meet demands.

One of the beneficiaries, Emmanuella Edwin, who visited the facility for antenatal registration, expressed satisfaction with the services provided by the health workers.

She commended the staff for their dedication, professionalism and friendly disposition, adding that the registration process was stress-free and without any major challenge.

Similarly, Mrs. Esther Abbey said she registered for the free medical services offered during the healthcare week and described the process as smooth and simple.

She added that the programme also created an avenue for her daughter to benefit from immunization services through arrangements by her school.

Another beneficiary, Mrs. Philomena Ezekiel, said she was unable to access the service for her children after she was informed that a National Identification Number (NIN) was required before the test could be carried out.

At Amadi Health Centre, the Medical Officer in charge, Dr. Ebere Ikonwa, attributed the low turnout recorded at the facility to inadequate community mobilization, noting that no town crier was assigned to create awareness.

Despite the situation, she said the facility carried out outreach immunization services successfully and recorded significant patronage in antenatal care and immunization services.

By: Esuuk-Awaji Oyet, Princess Akinyemi

Rivers

NUJ Summit to Strengthen Media/Security Partnership, Tackle Misinformation

Published

3 days ago

June 17, 2026

The Tide

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) is set to convene a two-day National Security Summit in Abuja aimed at strengthening collaboration between the media and security agencies in advancing national stability, public trust and sustainable development.

The summit, scheduled to hold on June 18 and 19, 2026, will bring together key actors in governance, security and the media sector to deliberate on pathways for improved engagement in addressing contemporary national security concerns.

Themed, “Media and Security Agencies as Partners in Nation Building”, the gathering is expected to serve as a strategic platform for dialogue on responsible information management and enhanced institutional cooperation.

Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Comrade Abimbola Oyetunde, who disclosed this in a statement, said the initiative was conceived as a high-level engagement to deepen understanding between journalists and security operatives in safeguarding the country.

She explained that the summit would provide opportunities for critical conversations on crisis communication, information sharing, conflict reporting and strengthening citizens’ confidence in public institutions.

According to the statement, the event will attract senior government officials, heads of security agencies, media executives, editors, civil society groups and other stakeholders drawn from across the country.

According to the organizers, the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, and the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, will attend as Special Guests of Honour.

The Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, is expected to deliver the keynote address, while the National President of the NUJ, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, will host the summit.

Also expected to chair the occasion is the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.

The statement noted that the summit comes at a critical period when Nigeria continues to confront evolving security challenges, growing concerns over misinformation and heightened public anxiety over national issues.

It emphasized that structured engagement between the media and security institutions has become imperative in improving crisis communication, reducing panic, combating fake news, and ensuring the dissemination of timely, accurate and responsible information.

Participants at the summit are expected to examine issues such as responsible reporting of security operations and conflict situations, access to credible information and official briefings, management of sensitive information and the safety of journalists covering security-related assignments.

Other areas of focus include countering disinformation, propaganda and hate speech, as well as building mutual trust and professional respect between journalists and security personnel.

The summit will also feature goodwill messages, panel discussions, breakout sessions, experience-sharing by frontline reporters, and interactive engagements with security chiefs before concluding with the adoption of a communiqué and an action framework to guide future collaboration.

The NUJ restated its commitment to press freedom, ethical journalism and promoting national peace, security and democratic governance.

By: King Onunwor

Rivers

Anaka Community Seeks Development, Unity … Advocates Devine Guidance In 2027 Leadership Selection

Published

3 days ago

June 17, 2026

The Tide

The Paramount Ruler of Anaka Community in Akpor Clan, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, HRH. Eze Marcus Oriji, has reiterated the kingdom’s commitment to unity, development, and peaceful coexistence among its people.

HRH Oriji, who spoke through his son, Alloy Marcus, in an interview with newsmen in the community, said the community is committed to peace.

He described Anaka as a community known for peace and unity, noting that the kingdom continues to attract visitors and residents because of its welcoming nature.

According to him, while the leadership of the kingdom has recorded progress in various fronts, several challenges still remain.

Anaka Community, he continued, has faced developmental challenges similar to those confronting many communities across the country.

He identified the provision of key infrastructure, including a modern market, schools, healthcare facilities, and a police station, as critical areas requiring attention to enhance the growth and development of the kingdom.

On concerns raised by residents over the poor condition of the road linking St. John’s to Ogbogoro, Eze Marcus commended the Rivers State Government under the leadership of the State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara,ii for commencing work on the Ring Road project, which he described as a significant development for the area.

Marcus explained that Anaka Kingdom stands to benefit from the project and appealed to the government to accelerate construction efforts, particularly on sections connecting St. John’s and other adjoining communities, to ease traffic congestion and improve accessibility.

Expressing optimism about the project’s completion, he said improved road infrastructure would not only enhance movement within the area, but also attract investors, businesses, and visitors to the kingdom.

Commenting on the 2027 general elections, Eze Alloy Marcus called for divine guidance in the selection of leaders, stressing the need for God-fearing individuals who would govern with integrity and commitment to national development.

He also advised young people to shun electoral violence and resist being used by politicians for unlawful activities such as ballot box snatching and election-related disturbances.

He urged youths to play constructive roles in strengthening democracy by supporting free, fair, and peaceful elections.

The royal representative emphasized that sustainable development, improved infrastructure, and peaceful democratic processes remain essential for the continued progress of Anaka Kingdom and Rivers State as a whole.

By: Azubuike Chiwendu, Akpelu Godspower