Rivers

Wike Lauds LG Chairman’s Development Strides

Published

3 years ago

May 26, 2023

Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has lauded the development strides of the Chairman of Emohua Local Government Council, Dr. Chidi Lloyd.
Wike, who expressed happiness over the infrastructural achievements of the LG boss in two years as Chairman, said his happiness is borne from the fact that Dr Lloyd has not disappointed his people who elected him to oversee their affairs.
Wike made the commendation in Rundele, at the commissioning of the newly constructed Uke-Eli Road, which was conceived, executed and completed by EMOLGA boss.
The Governor, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Engr Chukwuemeka Woke, described Dr. Lloyd as a courageous administrator who is determined, committed and focused towards the development of his people.
“The Chairman of our party, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said it all that you’ve redefined Local Government administration, and you have also attributed your performance to the support you enjoy from the leadership of our party in the LGA. So, me, I want to thank you for not disappointing us.
“Above all, I want to say that it takes a man of courage and determination; it takes a man who is focused to embark on these gigantic projects and complete them as a local government council. It is not just about the availability of funds, one must have the courage and vision to embark on these kind of projects.
“So, we thank you, and we thank the people of Emohua Local Government Area for giving you their mandate, and we thank God today that you have not disappointed them”, he stated.
Wike also thanked the people of Rundele for standing by his administration from its inception in 2015, while encouraging stakeholders in the area to continue to promote peace and unity amongst the communities to attract government presence to the area.
He noted the requests made by the community in their address and promised to communicate same to the incoming administration in the state in the handover note to the next Governor.
The Governor also commended the council Chairman’s commitment to the war against resurgence of crime and criminality in parts of Emohua LGA, assuring that the State Government was solidly behind the council chairman’s effort to eradicate armed robbery and cultism in the LGA.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State, Amb. Desmond Akawor, said the Chairman of Emohua LGA has redefined local government administration with a sterling performance, especially in infrastructure development.
Represented by the State Secretary of PDP, Dr Benibo George, Akawor noted the importance of infrastructure development to the urbanization of Emohua LGA.
The state Party Chairman further noted expression of joy and happiness amongst the people of the area, which, he said, indicates that the people appreciates the council chairman’s performance, stressing that every good work attracts reward from the people.
“As we came here, we sew the expression of happiness on the faces of the people, which indicates that Dr. Lloyed is actually performing very well and we seriously appreciate that.
“Recall that we were here last year on behalf of the Governor to also commission a road project executed by Dr. Chidi Lloyd’s administration. Today, we’re here again experiencing another road commissioning by the same administration. This is a clear manifestation that local government can actually embark on road projects.
“We are very much impressed that the narrative has been changed by Chidi Lloyd, that jinx has been broken and this is very remarkable and commendable.
“To my brother, Chidi Lloyd, I want to say that one way of asking for more is to do more; if you do more, more will be given to you and we encourage you to do more”, Akawor stated.
In his address, Dr. Lloyd attributed the achievements of his administration within two years to the support from stakeholders and councillors of the LGA.
He particularly thanked the leadership of the PDP in Emohua LGA for their continued cooperation and support to his administration and promised never to let them down.
Lloyd enjoined the people of Rundele, the direct beneficiaries of the newly constructed Uke-Eli Road, to ensure that the road is protected from illegal petroleum refining and oil bunkering activities which he described as a treat to the newly asphalted road.
The council Chairman commended residents and property owners along the Uke-Eli Road for their cooperation and support during construction of the road, especially those who willingly removed their properties in the right of way to ensure a successful implementation of the project.
He also expressed gratitude to the management and principal officers of Emohua local government council, particularly the Head of Local Government administration (HLGA), the Head of Personnel Management (HPM), and the Council Treasurer (TR), for their support to his administration, especially in policy implementation.
Also speaking, the Paramount Ruler of Rundele clan, HRH Eze Damian Ejiowhor, who led the Rundele Council of Chiefs and Elders to honour the Governor of Rivers State and the Chairman of Emohua LGA with chieftaincy recognitions, said the people of the area are grateful to Governor Wike for the appointment of indigenes of Rundele as commissioner and Permanent Secretaries in his administration.
He said the people will forever remain grateful to Dr. Chidi Lloyd for the construction of Uke-Eli Road, which he described as an alternative route into and out of Rundele communities.
Providing the project description, the Local Government Supervisor of Works, Hon Solomon Ikpo, said the Uke-Eli Road was formally impassible due to the water settlement in the area.
He explained that the road was conceptualized at 1.5 kilometer long with 1.5 kilometer drainage on each side of the road, amounting to a total of 3 kilometer drainage on both sides of the road, with 6cm asphalt pavement compressed to 5cm to withstand the swampy nature of the area.
Earlier, the councillor representing ward 7 (Rundele) in Emohua local government legislative assembly, Hon Emenike Wokama in his welcome address expressed gratitude to Dr. Chidi Lloyd for giving the people of the area a brand new road which he said is exceptional in local government administration.
The chairmen of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leadership caucus in Emohua, Eze Paul Wonodi and Elder Lawrence Amadioha, and the paramount ruler of Akpabu and Itu, HRH Eze G.C Ordu were among dignitaries who attended the historic event in solidarity with the administration.
Other dignitaries in attendance included: Chief Sampson Agbaru (Former SSG and Head of Service Rivers State); Honourable Commissioner, Rivers State Ministry of Environment, Hon Barr. Emenike Eke; Member representing Emohua Constituency in the State House of Assembly, Hon Sam Ogeh; Former commissioners, Hon Charles Beke, Elder Chinedu Tasie Nwobueze and Hon Arthur Uchendu.
The ceremony also featured the donation of solar street lights by Mr Kelvin Okoro, a former special assistant to Dr. Chidi Lloyd, as part of his personal contribution to the road project in his community.

By: Theresa Fredrick & Charity Amiso

Rivers

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

Published

3 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

3 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

3 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