Niger Delta

WED: Association Tasks Fubara On PH Garden City Status

Published

3 years ago

June 9, 2023

As a way of marking this year’s World Environment Day, the Association of Environmental Lawyers of Nigeria (AELN) organised an inaugural seminar and other activities in Port Harcourt recently to give meaning and expression to the global event.
It is, therefore, against this backdrop that the body has called on Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State to set machinery in motion to commence the processes of restoring Port Harcourt to its Garden City status.
The National President of AELN and Professor of Energy and Comparative Environmental Law at the Rivers State University, Prof Samuel Chisa Dike, who made the call in his address at the occasion said there is need for the Rivers State Government, which recently promised an inclusive and sustainable development trajectory, to commence the process of restoring Port Harcourt to its Garden City status, with minimal and acceptable levels of pollution to a green city which will not only attract tourists and investors but ready to promote security and welfare of citizens in tandem with the social contract between the government and the people of the State.
Dike noted that the association which was incorporated in 2019 to address all shades of environmental degradation and to raise awareness on the roles of the citizens and societies to the problems of environmental pollution, as a non-profit organisation that depends on charity, had established chapters in Bayelsa, Imo, Akwa Ibom, Lagos, Borno and Ekiti States, among others.
He further indicated that the association had also established in Rivers State Environmental Clubs in some universities, colleges and Green Advocates in secondary schools with the aim of broadening the conversation of environmental advocacy by the most vulnerable in the society.
The Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Law of the Rivers State University also hinted that the association has equally carried out various awareness programmes, advocacy, radio and television talks, tree planting sessions and community mobilisation in the State as well as proposed, through its Research and Advocacy Department measures for the eradication of soot in the State, which measures were implemented by the former the former Governor Nyesom Wike administration, which he noted led to drastic reduction in illegal refining activities and pollution incidence in the State.
He said the association would very soon, in collaboration with Green peace in the United Kingdom, the International Environmental Management and Assessment, United Kingdom, National Oil Spill And Response Agency( NOSDRA); and National Environmental Standards and Regulation Enforcement Agency( NESREA) commence the awards of certificates to lawyers as associate members, full members, chartered members and fellows in environmental advocacy, and called on lawyers to avail themselves of the opportunity for the task of advocating for a cleaner and sustainable environment in Nigeria.
Dike described the theme of this year’s World Environment Day, “Beat Plastic Pollution”, as epochal and vital because, as he put it, plastic pollution affects both green, blue economy and sustained development of a nation, stressing that plastic pollution is dangerous and cancerous because plastics wastes are non-biodegradable.
According to him, the process of recalling of plastic wastes, recycling, reusing, rebranding and reduction of wastes caused by plastics is so economically high that most governments would prefer to look the other way than to bring polluters to book.
Also speaking, the Chief Judge of Rivers State and chairman of the occasion, Justice Simeon Amadi highlighted the need for prompt and urgent actions to be taken to address environmental pollution in the State.
Represented by a Judge of the High Court, Justice( Mrs) L. C. Thompson, Amadi said the time to address the challenges posed by environmental pollution is now.
He, however, indicated that there is need to muster the necessary political will to drive a better and cleaner environment both on the part of the government and the people, stressing that the people’s cooperation in tackling the menace is very important since, according to him, if the people do not cooperate, nothing will happen.
To actually appreciate the tremendous harm environmental pollution has inflicted and caused the State, he said people should visit hospitals and see the number of children suffering from respiratory problems, adding that creeks and mangroves in some parts of the State are worst hit, as sea foods, a major delicacy of the people are destroyed.
“The time for action is now”, he said.
On his part, the Chairman of AELN, Rivers State Branch, Barrister Simple Dioha said WED acts as a reminder for people to be more considerate and aware of the Earth’s existing conditions in terms of the environment, adding that this year’s event serves as a reminder that people’s actions regarding plastic pollution are important.
“And of course, we all know the degrading and devastating impacts of plastic wastes to the Garden City status of Port Harcourt. People must therefore take action to spread awareness about the environment and also motivate others to do same with the hope of creating a better future”, he said.
The inaugural seminar featured former Dean of the Faculty of Law of the Rivers State University, Prof Ovunda V.C.Okene; and the current Rivers State Commissioner for Education and Professor of Geography and Environmental Management, Prof Chinedu Mmom as keynote speakers.
Speaking on the topic, “Deepening Democratic Governance for an Inclusive and Sustainable Development in Rivers State: Agenda for the New Administration”, Okene spoke with candour and stressed the need for politicians to transit from being politicians to being leaders as soon as they are elected into office by running government of inclusivity.
Okene, who was represented by Dr Edwin Jonathan described former Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State as his hero for having gone beyond party politics to put in place laudable infrastructural projects across the State.
On the other hand, Prof Mmom, who spoke on the topic, “ Restoring the Garden City Status of Port Harcourt: The Case of Plastic Pollution and Management in Rivers State”, recommended the ban on use of plastic bags in Nigeria, saying, Nigeria ranks 9th in the world in terms of plastic pollution and the highest in Africa.
Represented by Associate Prof Olarenwaju Lawan, Mmom noted that plastic pollution accounts for environmental degradation in cities like Port Harcourt as plastic materials are indicriminately dumped in drainages and other places, and called for change of attitude.
The highpoints of the event were the inauguration of the Rivers State executive of the association by the Chief Judge; the launching of the association’s Environmental Law Journal; and cutting of the inaugural cake.

By: Donatus Ebi

Niger Delta

Bayelsa Inaugurates Cttees For 30th Creation Anniversary

Published

5 days ago

August 3, 2026

The Tide

The Bayelsa State Government has inaugurated six sub-committees, as it begins preparations for the 30th Anniversary celebration of the creation of the state on 1st October.

Inaugurating the sub-committees in Government House, the Deputy Governor, Dr. Peter Akpe, explained that Bayelsa has countless reasons to appreciate God for what He has done for its land and people in the 30 years of its existence, especially in development.

He charged the sub-committees to come up with proposals for the various activities and events for the celebration within the next two weeks in line with their respective terms of reference, stressing that strategic things had to be done to make the anniversary significant and historic.

According to him, the three-day programme of activities for the anniversary celebration, which will commence on the 29th of September, will be preceded by two weeks of commissioning of public infrastructural projects completed by the Prosperity Administration.

The Bayelsa Number Two Man further clarified that events penciled down for the celebration include a cultural carnival, boat regatta, anniversary lecture, sporting events, state banquet and awards night.

The sub-committees are: the Awards Sub-Committee, chaired by His Majesty, King Bubaraye Dakolo; the Sports Sub-Committee, headed by Hon. Daniel Igali; and the Lecture Sub-Committee, with Prof. Stephen Olali as its Chairman.

Others are: the Mega Praise Sub-Committee, jointly chaired by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Peter Akpe, and the Managing Director of Premium Trust Bank, Dr. Emmanuel Emiefenim; the Cultural Sub-Committee, headed by Rt. Hon. Monday Bubou-Obolo; and the Publicity Sub-Committee, with the Commissioner for Information, Mrs. Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, as Chairman.

by: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa

Niger Delta

NDDC Backs Federal Drive To Cut Maternal, Newborn Deaths … Trains Traditional Birth Attendants

Published

5 days ago

August 3, 2026

The Tide

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has stated its commitment to supporting the Federal Government’s Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative (MAMII), with a renewed push to tackle the persistently high rate of preventable maternal and newborn deaths across the Niger Delta.

The Commission made the pledge during workshops for traditional birth attendants held in Delta and Bayelsa states, where it stressed the need for stronger collaboration between traditional birth attendants and the orthodox healthcare system to improve maternal and child health outcomes.

Speaking at the training, the Managing Director of the NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, urged women to embrace modern medical care while leveraging the trusted role of traditional birth attendants in their communities.

Represented by the Principal Manager, Education, Health and Social Services (EHSS), Mrs. Dare-Oloko Kuami, Ogbuku described maternal and child mortality as an alarming public health challenge that requires urgent and collective action.

“The rate of death among women and children is alarming and must be eradicated. This training is designed to enlighten our women and should not be taken for granted”, he said.

According to him, the workshop was organised to strengthen the knowledge and capacity of traditional birth attendants in providing safe maternal and newborn care, identifying pregnancy-related complications early, and referring high-risk cases promptly to hospitals and health centres.

Also speaking, the Director of Education, Health and Social Services, Dr. Patience Ezugu, called on women to take issues relating to childbirth seriously, stressing that improved knowledge and adherence to safe delivery practices would help save lives.

Represented by the Principal Manager, EHSS, Dr. Otokolo Fidelis, Ezugu disclosed that more than 300 women from Delta and Bayelsa states participated in the training and were provided with medical equipment and cash support to enhance their services.

One of the resource persons, Mrs. Gift Akitiri, underscored the vital role traditional birth attendants continue to play in many rural communities, noting that regular capacity building would improve the quality of maternal healthcare delivery.

“Traditional birth attendants are trusted members of many communities. By equipping them with updated knowledge, we are helping to ensure that mothers and newborns receive timely and appropriate care, thereby improving health outcomes”, she said.

A participant, Mrs. Franscica Odiakosa, commended the NDDC for organising the workshop, describing it as timely and impactful.

“I have gained valuable knowledge that will improve the quality of healthcare I provide in my community. I have also learnt the importance of referring expectant mothers to health centres and hospitals whenever a case is beyond my capacity”, she said, while urging the Commission to sustain the initiative.

Niger Delta

Uyo Club Inaugurates New Executive … Tasks Members On Service, Community Impact

Published

5 days ago

August 3, 2026

The Tide

One of Nigeria’s oldest and most prestigious social clubs, Uyo Club, has inaugurated its full Executive Council to oversee the affairs of the association for the next two years, with a charge to provide purposeful leadership and make meaningful contributions to society.

Speaking during the inauguration ceremony at the club’s headquarters on Wellington Bassey Way, Uyo, the President of the club, Prof. Sahm Etuk, urged the newly elected executive members to bring their wealth of experience and professionalism to bear in the discharge of their responsibilities.

He said members of the club expected the new leadership not only to strengthen the institution, but to also extend its impact beyond the clubhouse through service to the wider community.

“You have voluntarily presented yourselves for service, and we expect that you will make yourselves available at all times to offer the service required of you”, Etuk said.

The inauguration followed the April 2026 bye-election conducted to fill vacant positions in the Executive Council.

Among those inaugurated was renowned broadcast administrator and Executive Managing Consultant of Comfort 95.1 FM, Uyo, Samuel Enoh Akpan, who was elected Public Relations Officer. Akpan is also a member of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE).

Other members of the Executive Council are Barrister Eno Inyang (Treasurer), Anthony Etim (Social Secretary), Christian Daniel (Welfare Secretary), Friday Ekpa (Legal Adviser), Christian Chukwu (Provost), Mmenye Udofa (Assistant Secretary), Otu Otu (Maintenance Secretary) and Macaulay Udom (Ex-Officio).

Prof. Etuk, a Professor of Strategic Marketing, Director of the School of Continuing Education at the University of Uyo, and Chairman of the institution’s Sports Committee, had earlier been inaugurated as President on January 10, 2026, alongside the Vice President, Dr. Nestor Udoh, a retired Permanent Secretary.

Other officials inaugurated at the time include Ndi Aquaisua (General Secretary), TPL Dr. Emmanuel Etuk (Financial Secretary), Dr. Imbur Terfa (Auditor), and Dr. Anietie Ekong (General Games Captain).

The President also inaugurated the Board of Past Presidents, made up of all living former presidents of the club, urging them to continue providing guidance and institutional support to the Executive Council in line with the club’s constitution.

Former presidents present at the event included Dr. Emem Umoh, Dr. Bassey Etuknwa, Engr. Mbosowo Orok, Prof. Ini Jonah, and Akparawa Ikpong Essien-Udom, a member of the Standing Committee of the Nigerian Guild of Editors.

Etuk called on members to unite in pursuit of the club’s founding ideals of recreation, service and development, expressing confidence that the newly constituted organs of the club would strengthen its operations and reposition it for greater relevance.

Founded in 1935, Uyo Club remains one of Nigeria’s foremost recreational associations, with a membership that cuts across diverse professions and sectors of society.