News

Expansion Of Rivers’ Abattoir Will Create More Jobs-Wike

Published

3 years ago

March 31, 2023

Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has announced the expansion of the ultra-modern abattoir being constructed in Mgbuosimini community, Rumueme will now include an open spaced market and a motor park.
Governor Wike made the announcement yesterday when he visited the project site to inspect the progress of work done on the world class abattoir designed with the capacity to slaughter 400 cattle, 1500 goats and sheep in one day.
The Rivers State governor, who spoke to some residents who thronged out to herald his arrival and waited until he was done with his inspection tour, appealed to them to continue to give the contractor the needed support so that the project could be completed on schedule.
“We are almost finishing the slaughter house and then we are building a market on this side. And we have to commission it before I leave office. So, that is what I want to tell all of you.
“We want to start the park and the market immediately and that will create jobs for us. And I will make sure that those who are around here will be the direct beneficiaries of this jobs.”
Governor Wike however, frowned at the slow space of work on the world class modern abattoir project which is fully automated with the state-of-the- art facilities.
The Governor stated that the extent of work already achieved on the project does not meet his expectation because the entire 100 percent contract sum had been paid to the contractor.
Governor Wike inspected the meat mart, administrative building, internal roads, shore protection work, veterinary clinics and the laboratories structures that will check the health of animals before, and also the tissues when being slaughtered.
”We have paid hundred percent. I just approved award of contract for the market to compliment the slaughter.
”But the quality of job; well done, we are satisfied. They have told me that before the end of April, they would have completed the abattoir which is a modern abattoir.”
Governor reflected on the state of the former slaughter that was located at Trans-Amadi Industrial Layout and the unhygienic environment that traders conducted their activities, which was unacceptable.
”But this is a modern abattoir were animals, cows and goats would be killed in a more civilized way as it is done according to international best practices.”
Governor Wike also used the opportunity to thank residents of Mgbuosimini community for supporting and voting for PDP in the last general election.
”The incoming governor will not disappoint you people. He will even do better than me with your support. You can go home and sleep with your two eyes close.”
Governor Wike, also inspected the progress of work done at the magistrates’ court premises along Moscow Road in Port Harcourt.
The governor said the project should have been completed by December, 2022, but the delay was caused by some minor amendments made on the structural work.
He explained that the expectation on the contractor now is to complete the external works and had it over by the end of April because the interior furnishing is completed.
”This magistrates’ court will be the best in the country. In fact, people call me and ask what kind of magistrates’ court we talking about to have this kind of structure.
”I said, well, we must give the best to enhance quality of work from them(magistrates). If you want them to give their best, the environment where they work must also be conducive.”
Speaking on how the facility will be maintained, governor Wike explained that the use of alucobond panels in the front view, indicates that there will be reduced cost of maintenance.
Governor Wike pointed out that the Chief Judge is in charge of the judiciary and has to factor into their yearly budget money that will be required for the maintenance of the magistrate courts
”It will not require much, just that what happens here (in this country) is that most of us lack the culture of maintenance. Some people believe that government property is not their property and therefore they don’t care.
”But for me, where ever you stay, you must assumed that it is your property and you maintain it the way you maintain your own personal property.
”So, for me, I believe that the Chief Judge will do the right thing to making sure that these structures are well maintained, because nobody will come here and see such structures and then in the next few years the structures are unkept.
”Nobody will be happy about that. I believe that the Chief Judge will do the needful.”

News

Cleric Predicts Breakthrough, Warns of Political and Security Challenges in 2026

Published

1 day ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

The Founder and Senior Pastor of Liberty Hour Ministry, Port Harcourt, Apostle Chikadibia John Wodo, has expressed optimism that 2026 will usher in uncommon breakthroughs and good fortune for Nigeria, particularly in the areas of political, economic, and spiritual development, with Rivers State playing a key role.

Apostle Wodo made this declaration in his special New Year message, where he stated that individuals and forces standing as obstacles to the manifestation of God’s will in the new year would face bitter consequences. He cautioned that corrupt political leaders risk backlash from the very people they govern if they fail to change their ways.

The cleric warned against the escalation of political tension in Rivers State and called on residents and religious leaders to intensify prayers for lasting peace. He also urged Governor Siminalayi Fubara to remain resolute in leadership, reminding him to uphold his vows to God by continually seeking divine guidance in decision-making and governance amid evolving challenges.

Assessing the broader national situation, Apostle Wodo called on Nigerian leaders to repent and govern with a heightened sense of responsibility, noting that the cries and supplications of the masses have drawn divine attention. He further warned of alleged plots to disrupt a smooth democratic transition in 2027 and appealed for prayers to avert such an agenda.

According to him, Nigerians are yearning for genuine socio-economic transformation and freedom from political oppression. He challenged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to redeem its credibility by ensuring free, fair, and credible elections devoid of undue political interference.

The cleric also predicted that insecurity could worsen in the coming year and warned of the possible emergence of a strange ailment, stressing that Nigeria’s political challenges can only be resolved through equity, fairness, and justice, especially in the treatment of minorities, the vulnerable, and the disadvantaged.

Apostle Wodo further claimed that some clerics and General Overseers have compromised their faith and incurred divine displeasure, calling for sincere repentance to restore their relationship with God. He also advised early preparedness to mitigate natural disasters such as fire outbreaks and flooding, particularly in rural communities.

He concluded by urging Nigerians to remain prayerful, vigilant, and united as the nation navigates the opportunities and challenges of 2026.

News

Ado Royal Family Disowns Alleged Installation of Amanyanabo of Okrika

Published

1 day ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

The Ado Royal Family of Okrika has firmly disassociated itself from the alleged self-enthronement of Hon. Godknows Tam George as the Amanyanabo of Okrika and Clan Head, describing the action as unlawful, illegitimate, and a threat to the peace of the ancient kingdom.

The family, which described itself as the sole legitimate custodian of the history, traditions, and stool of the Amanyanabo of Okrika, stated that it has not installed any king and has not commenced the formal process for such installation.

This position was contained in a statement jointly signed by Prof. Sotonye Fyneface-Ogan (Ogan Ado Royal House), Alabo Engr. Henry Semenitari Abam (Abam Ado Royal House), and Alabo Prince Oriyeorikabo Fibika (Fibika Ado Royal House). The statement was presented to journalists on Friday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt.

According to the statement, the purported action by Hon. Tam George amounts to “a blatant assault on the collective integrity of the Okrika people” and constitutes “a criminal act of impersonation with the potential to destabilize the peace and socio-political fabric of our ancient kingdom.”

The family stressed that Hon. Tam George was never presented as a candidate by the Ado Royal Family and did not undergo any of the mandatory rites, consultations, or confirmations required by Okrika customs.

“The Ado Royal Family has never presented him as a candidate, nor has he undergone any of the prerequisite rites, consultations, or confirmations. His actions are those of a lone interloper, operating in a vacuum of legitimacy,” the statement read.

It further emphasized that the stool of the Amanyanabo of Okrika and Clan Head is a sacred institution rooted in centuries-old traditions and spiritual heritage, not something to be claimed through academic qualifications, political ambition, or personal interest.

Speaking during the briefing, Prof. Sotonye Fyneface-Ogan reiterated that the process of crowning an Amanyanabo is clearly defined and has not yet begun.

“To crown a king, there is a process, and those processes have not taken place,” he said. “We are the chiefs; we are the ones that will be part of the selection. Honestly, we have not started the selection process; we have only begun discussions.”

He explained that during the proper selection process, chiefs supervise nominations from each constituent house, with each house expected to nominate two or three candidates—steps which, he noted, have not been carried out.

“I want to assure the public that none of the Ado family chiefs has given Hon. Tam George any sign of approval,” Prof. Fyneface-Ogan added.

Efforts to obtain the reaction of Hon. Godknows Tam George proved unsuccessful. Repeated attempts through phone calls, text messages, and WhatsApp messages were unsuccessful, as he did not respond as of the time of filing this report.

By: Tonye Orabere

News

PH Traders Laud RSG’s Fire Safety Sensitisation Campaign

Published

1 day ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

Traders in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, have commended the Rivers State Government (RSG) for its ongoing fire emergency and safety sensitisation campaign across major markets in the state.

Speaking on behalf of traders at Nowa Market, Borikiri Old Port Harcourt Township, the market chairman, Mr. Innocent Chukwuma, praised Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara for initiating the awareness programme in designated markets and public places.

Chukwuma described the exercise as timely and impactful, noting that it was the first time the Rivers State Government had carried out such a campaign in Nowa Market. According to him, the sensitisation would educate traders on fire emergencies and the necessary precautions to prevent outbreaks.

He urged traders to strictly apply the safety measures taught during the campaign, both during business hours and after closing their shops.

“I want to thank the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Ministry of Special Duties for coming to our aid, especially during this dry season,” Chukwuma said.

“This is the first time we are seeing government presence in our market in this manner. We lack words to thank our God-sent governor, particularly for providing us with fire extinguishers and other firefighting equipment.

“We will do exactly what we have been taught today to ensure there is no fire incident in our market. We will always switch off all electrical appliances before closing for the day,” he added.

Similarly, the Chairman of Mile 3 USTRE Modern Market, Mr. Gift Nkesi Benjamin, applauded the state government for the distribution of fire extinguishers and other fire safety equipment.

“We will adhere strictly to the safety guidelines and instructions given to us today to ensure there is no fire outbreak in our market,” Benjamin stated.

“On behalf of Mile 3 USTRE Modern Market, I sincerely thank the Rivers State Government and the Ministry of Special Duties for bringing this important campaign to our market.”

At Rumuwoji Market (popularly known as Mile 1 Market), the Chairman, Chief Hon. Godpower O. Wobo, also expressed gratitude to the state government for the sensitisation exercise. He assured that traders would comply fully with government directives to prevent future fire incidents.

Responding on behalf of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Special Duties, Mr. Sokari D. P. George, thanked the traders for their cooperation and warm reception.

He emphasised that safety remains paramount, especially during the dry season, and urged traders to be cautious in their daily activities.

Mr. George disclosed that the theme of the 2025 fire safety campaign is “Controlled Fire Is a Friend, Uncontrolled Fire Is an Enemy.”

He cautioned against refuse and bush burning around buildings and warned traders not to store fuel in unauthorized places such as homes, offices, markets, or public buildings.

“Follow all fire safety guidelines and instructions,” he urged.

The permanent secretary also noted that Governor Fubara prefers a zero-fireworks approach during festive periods to ensure public safety, stressing that the government has invested heavily in markets and expects traders to take responsibility for protecting them.

By: Kiadum Edookor