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

Rivers Police Uncovers Firearm Concealed In Loaf Of Bread

Published

2 days ago

June 29, 2026

The Tide

The Rivers State Police Command has foiled what appeared to be a criminal operation and recovered an illegal firearm ingeniously concealed inside a loaf of bread during a routine security operation in Port Harcourt.

This was contained in a statement by the Public Relations Officer, Rivers State Police Command, Blessing Agabe in Port Harcourt.

According to the statement, the operation formed part of intensified crime prevention measures directed by the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, aimed at strengthening internal security and curbing criminal activities across the state.

The Command disclosed that the breakthrough occurred along Azikiwe Road by Red Cross Junction, Port Harcourt, when operatives on routine stop-and-search duty intercepted a vehicle and carried out a detailed screening of passengers and their belongings.

During the search, officers reportedly discovered a Browning pistol carefully hidden inside a loaf of bread allegedly belonging to one Braya Nanas, identified as a male resident of New Road, Borikiri, Port Harcourt, who was travelling in the vehicle.

Police said the unusual concealment method immediately raised suspicion, leading to the suspect’s arrest and further investigation into the circumstances surrounding the possession of the firearm.

Preliminary findings, according to the Command, revealed that the recovered pistol had no visible serial number, creating concerns over its source and possible intended use.

Investigators further quoted the suspect as allegedly admitting ownership of the weapon and stating that he purchased it in Okrika at the rate of N800,000.

Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, warned that criminal elements continue to adopt increasingly deceptive methods to evade security checks and law enforcement surveillance.

He urged residents of Rivers State to remain alert and security conscious, stressing that the discovery of a firearm hidden inside an everyday food item underscores the need for heightened public vigilance.

The Police Commissioner also cautioned members of the public against accepting, transporting or keeping items whose contents are unknown, noting that such actions could unknowingly aid criminal activities.

The Command, therefore, called on residents to sustain collaboration with security agencies through timely and credible information sharing, insisting that effective policing remains dependent on active community participation and collective responsibility in building a safer Rivers State.

King Onunwor

Rivers

Okrika LG Flags-off TAPP Empowerment Programme, Phase II

Published

2 days ago

June 29, 2026

The Tide

As part of efforts to enhance his administration’s commitment to economic empowerment, job creation, and sustainable development across the Local Government Area (LGA), the Chairman of Okrika LGA, Hon. Akuro Alfred Tobin, has officially flagged off the second phase of the Tobin Akuro Prosperity Pathway (TAPP) Programme.

The flag-off ceremony, held at the Conference Hall of the LGA’s Council Secretariat, marked another milestone in the council’s drive to improve the socio-economic wellbeing of residents through targeted empowerment initiatives.

The event attracted key government officials and stakeholders, including the Secretary to Okrika Local Government Council, Hon. Oforiokuma Kwani; the Special Adviser on Empowerment, Hon. Adokiye Ogbogara; members of the Empowerment Committee; and other council officials.

In a symbolic presentation during the ceremony, the Empowerment Committee, led by its Chairman, Hon. Kingsley Ibanichuka, presented a specially designed photo frame and a commemorative photo book showcasing the achievements and impact of the first phase of the programme.

The committee also unveiled and presented the official branded polo shirt and fez cap for Phase II of the empowerment initiative to the Chairman.

Speaking during the event, the Chairman commended members of the Empowerment Committee for their dedication, transparency, and commitment in implementing the programme.

He noted that the success recorded in the first phase had encouraged the administration to expand the initiative in order to reach more residents and create greater economic opportunities.

According to the council boss, the Tobin Akuro Prosperity Pathway Programme was conceived as a strategic intervention aimed at reducing poverty, stimulating local enterprise, and equipping youths and entrepreneurs with the resources and skills needed to become self-reliant and productive members of society.

He disclosed that under Phase II of the programme, about 400 business owners and traders across Okrika would receive cash grants to strengthen and expand their businesses.

The intervention, he said, is expected to boost small-scale enterprises, enhance household incomes, and stimulate economic activities within the local economy.

Tobin further revealed that hundreds of youths would benefit from sponsored vocational and technical skills acquisition programmes in various fields, including scaffolding, fashion designing, welding, makeup and gele artistry, Total Glam, and several other vocational trades considered relevant in today’s economy.

The Chairman emphasized that the initiative goes beyond financial support, stressing that the programme is designed to build human capacity, encourage entrepreneurship, and create a pathway for sustainable wealth creation among beneficiaries.

“Our vision is to empower our people with the tools, knowledge, and opportunities they need to succeed. We believe that when individuals are economically empowered, families become stronger, communities become more prosperous, and development becomes sustainable”, he stated.

He urged prospective beneficiaries to make the most of the opportunity by applying themselves diligently to the skills training and utilizing the grants responsibly to achieve long-term economic growth.

Tobin also reassured residents that his administration would continue to implement people-oriented policies and programmes aimed at improving living standards and expanding opportunities for all segments of society.

Observers at the event described the TAPP initiative as one of the most impactful empowerment programmes undertaken by the present administration, citing its focus on entrepreneurship development, youth engagement, and poverty reduction.

Meanwhile, the main empowerment event has been scheduled for Wednesday, July 8, 2026, during which beneficiaries are expected to receive cash grants and vocational training support packages.

Since its inception, the TAPP has emerged as the flagship empowerment programme of the Okrika Local Government administration, touching lives across communities and reinforcing the council’s commitment to inclusive growth, economic prosperity, and the overall welfare of the people of Okrika.

The commencement of Phase II is expected to further consolidate the gains of the programme, while opening new opportunities for hundreds of residents seeking economic advancement and self-sufficiency.

Michael T. Abraham

Rivers

Urban Development Ministry, Others Strengthen Collaboration On Building Safety

Published

2 days ago

June 29, 2026

The Tide

The Rivers State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Hon. Amairigha Hart, has said the Ministry has intensified efforts to improve the safety of buildings through stronger collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Federal Housing Authority (FHA).

Amairigha, who said this at a strategic inter-agency meeting held in Port Harcourt, weekend, disclosed that the collaboration is aimed at establishing a unified operational framework to prevent overlaps and ensure coordinated action among agencies involved in the built environment.

Stressing the importance of collaboration in preventing structural failures and building collapses, the Commissioner said the regulatory and emergency response agencies must work together to ensure strict compliance with approved building standards and due process at every stage of construction.

He commended the prompt response of the Federal Housing Authority and NEMA to the recent building collapse along Peter Odili Road, describing their swift mobilisation as crucial to ongoing rescue efforts.

Providing an update on the incident, Hart disclosed that search, rescue and evacuation operations were still in progress.

He added that technical teams were carrying out a controlled demolition of the remaining lift shaft and stair core to prevent a secondary collapse and safeguard rescue personnel as well as neighbouring properties.

The Commissioner further emphasised that collaboration among agencies should go beyond emergency situations, noting that proactive monitoring and enforcement are essential to preventing future construction-related disasters.

The meeting ended with participants harmonising operational information and agreeing on measures to strengthen supervision, compliance monitoring and joint inspections of ongoing and future construction projects across Rivers State.

The resolution is expected to enhance coordination among state and federal agencies and promote safer building practices in the state.

King Onunwor