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

2026 Boy Child Day: Association Seeks Intentional Mentoring

Published

1 hour ago

May 18, 2026

The Tide

As the world marked the 2026 International Day of the Boy Child last Saturday, the Rivers Secondary Schools Old Boys and Girls 1983 Set Association has called for deliberate investment in raising boys who will become responsible heads of homes.

In a press release signed and issued by the Secretary-General of the Association, Dr. Ibinabo Ogolo, to commemorate the day, the Association said the future stability of Nigerian families depends on how intentionally boys are raised and guided.

Speaking on behalf of the Set, President of the Association, Barrister Tubokomba Mcdonald Harry, she said the theme of this year’s global celebration, “Boys to Men: Adopting Good Habits and Attitudes”, must move beyond slogans to daily practice in homes, schools, and communities.

“For years, advocacy has rightly centered on the girl child. That work must continue. But we cannot ignore the other side”, Barrister Harry stated.

“A boy who grows up without guidance, emotional literacy, and responsibility often becomes a man who struggles to lead, provide, and protect. If we want stable homes in 2040, we must invest in boys now”, he said.

He emphasized that being “head of the home” is about stewardship, not power: “The man who leads a home well is emotionally responsible, financially disciplined, morally upright, and a true partner to his spouse. These qualities are learned from childhood, through what boys see, hear, and practice.”

The Association noted that many boys currently learn manhood by default from peers, social media, and entertainment that equate masculinity with aggression and silence about pain.

To change this, the 1983 Set urged fathers and mentors to be present and active, schools to integrate life skills such as conflict resolution and financial literacy, and communities and faith groups to establish mentorship programmes where older men guide younger ones.

The press release also linked the issue to Africa’s wider goals, noting that the 2026 Day of the African Child focuses on water, sanitation, and hygiene.

“A boy trained to solve real problems becomes a man who ensures dignity for his family and community”, Harry said.

The Association concluded with a call to mothers, fathers, and boys themselves to take ownership of the task of raising responsible future leaders.

International Day of the Boy Child is observed globally on May 16. It is a day that focuses on the well-being, mental health and positive development of boys.

Rivers

Ogoni Landlords Seek Inclusion In Planned Oil Resumption Process

Published

1 hour ago

May 18, 2026

The Tide

Flemotongha Miebi/Fortune Wokeh/Akpos David/Esuuk Oyet/Edughom Suotor

Landlords in Ogoni, under the aegis of Gokana,Tai, Eleme, and Khana United Landlords Association (GOTEKA) have called for inclusion in the ongoing negotiation over the planned resumption of oil production in Ogoniland.

The landlords,who made the call during its formal inauguration recently in Port Harcourt, also called for proper compensation, clear legal agreements, and inclusive dialogues in the entire process

Chairman of the Association, Professor George Ema, said any resumption of oil exploration in ogoniland without proper consultation with host communities and land owners will be resisted.

George said, while the association expressed support for the planned return of oil activities in ogoniland under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, key historical issues must be addressed to avoid a repeat of earlier conflicts that led to the suspension of oil operations in the area.

According to GOTEKA, past disagreements between oil companies, political leaders, and host communities caused crises, court cases, and long-term disruption of oil production in Ogoni land, adding that these problems were responsible for the high level of poverty warranted by economic stagnation, social unrest, pipeline vandalism, and many legal battles in the area.

The landlords also referenced the struggles led by late environmental activist, Ken Saro-Wiwa, and the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP), which opposed Shell’s activities in Ogoni land, resulting in years of unrest and court cases.

They stressed that the renewed plan for oil exploration must be guided by proper Memoranda of Understanding (MOU), fair compensation, and the direct involvement of landlords in negotiations to prevent cheating and conflict.

The group also raised concern over what they described as a repeated “divide and rule” approach in handling oil compensation in Ogoni. They said there is a lack of proper MOUs between oil companies and landlords, while compensation often goes to political leaders and traditional rulers instead of the real landowners.

GOTEKA added that land in Ogoni is owned by individuals and families, not the entire community.

According to the group, “under traditional land rules, owners have full rights over their land and can decide how it is used, including selling or leasing it. So, there must be proper agreement spelt out in the MOU, which must be signed by all the parties involved to avoid legal battles.

The group urged government, oil companies, and political leaders to respect traditional land ownership and adopt honest dialogue and peaceful negotiation in resolving issues.

Rivers

Police Warn Rivers Students Against Cultism, Drug Abuse

Published

1 hour ago

May 18, 2026

The Tide

The Divisional Crime Officer (DCO) of Rumuodomaya Police Station, CSP Dindara Dadamu, has warned students in Rivers State against involvement in cultism and other criminal activities, stressing that such acts could lead to imprisonment and destruction of their future.

He gave the warning recently during an anti-cultism and drug abuse sensitisation programme organised by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) at Den-Bec Group of Schools in Port Harcourt.

Dadamu stated that the law does not exempt minors from punishment, noting that children from the age of 12 could still be prosecuted for criminal offences.

According to him, many young people are lured into cultism through peer pressure and bad company. He urged the students to be mindful of the friends they associate with.

The DCO stressed that ignorance of the law would not protect anyone from facing the consequences of unlawful conduct.

Also speaking, a representative of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mr. Ejiofor Ifeanyi, described cultism and drug abuse as destructive habits capable of ruining academic ambitions and promising careers.

He advised the students to avoid negative influences and remain focused on their education and personal development.

A mental health expert, Mr. Victor Akeni, noted that cultism and illicit drug use contribute significantly to emotional instability, fear and poor academic performance among youths.

He explained that cult members often live under constant fear of attacks and reprisals, making it difficult for them to concentrate on their studies or live peacefully.

The sensitisation programme brought together security agencies, mental health professionals, teachers and students as part of efforts to discourage social vices among young people.

The Managing Director of NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, who spoke through a representative, Mrs. Anna West, encouraged the students to take advantage of opportunities provided through education and technology rather than engaging in unlawful activities.

Ogbuku also warned that cultism and drug abuse could result in imprisonment, violence and untimely death, and urged the students to embrace discipline, hard work and positive values.

By: King Onunwor