Environment

Royal Father Backs Fubara Over Ring Road Project

Published

3 years ago

July 24, 2023

The Oneh Eh /paramount ruler of Alesa kingdom in Eleme local Government Area of Rivers State HRH Emperor J D Nkpe has said that the proposed Port Harcourt Ring Road will boost the economy of the state.
The Ring Road with six bridges will crisscross six local Government Areas of the state.
The construction of the project will be flagged off Monday 17 th July by Governor Siminalaye Fubara.
Speaking in exclusive interview with the Tide in Port Harcourt, king Nkpe said apart from boosting the economy of the state, the road will also improve the security of the state.
According to the monarch, the economic importance of the road is overwhelming,as all rural communities will be linked up, thereby facilitating the movement of agricultural produce from one locations to another.
“It will be very much economical for the state as all the monies that will be spent in it’s construction will be regained
‘I have told my people that nobody should bring in any bottleneck in the construction of the ring road”.
The Alesa Monarch also urged Communities where the project will pass through to give free hands to the government and the construction company.
He also stressed the need for Rivers people to give Sir Siminalaye Fubara the full support, while mischief makers should leave the Governor alone.
“Those that want to disturb the government should leave the Governor alone
‘Fubara will surprise this state’he said.
He said with Fubara as Governor of the state, Rivers State will become the envy of other states in the country.
Meanwhile king Nkpe has decried the continuous abandonment of the Eleme section of the East West road by the federal government.
He said the continuous abandonment of the road has shown the federal government disregard to the contribution of the Eleme people to the economy of the country.
The monarch said even the companies operating within Eleme local Government Area are not showing concern to the welfare of the people.
The monarch said his people will nolonger take the federal government seriously as far as the Eleme section of the East West road is concerned.
According to him,it is not the first time Eleme people have been deceived, and denied development, adding that successive governments have been promising Eleme people and expressed the hope that the Tinubu led administration will be different as far as the road is concerned.
He however said Eleme people will not take the laws into their hands.
“The road links Akwa Ibom, Cross River,Ebonyi and even Cameroon
‘The Aleto bridge was constructed in the 50’s and that bridge is not enough to carry the volume of traffic on the road”king Nkpe said.
The Royal Father also called on companies operating in Eleme to respect the wishes of their host Communities and implement the petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
He condemned the divide and rule tactics being employed by the companies in dealing with their host Communities.
“Most of the companies are like a curse to Eleme land even with the PIA laws the companies are not listening to Eleme people”.he said.

By: John Bibor

Environment

LWC, Julius Berger seek stronger coordination on Lagos infrastructure

Published

2 days ago

August 17, 2026

The Tide

The Lagos Water Corporation (LWC) has commenced discussions with Julius Berger Nigeria Plc to strengthen coordination between water and road infrastructure projects.

This is contained in a statement issued by the corporation.

The corporation said the engagement followed a courtesy and familiarisation visit led by its Managing Director, Mr Mukhtaar Tijani, to Julius Berger’s Ijora office.

It said the visit was aimed at strengthening institutional relations and creating opportunities for deeper collaboration between both organisations.

The corporation stressed the importance of cordial relationships with neighbouring organisations and strategic stakeholders to promote future collaboration.

The meeting focused on road construction, water pipeline protection, water infrastructure development and sustainable water supply across Lagos Island and its environs.

Both organisations highlighted the need for early communication and technical coordination to prevent conflicts between road projects and existing water infrastructure.

Julius Berger Regional Commercial Manager, Region West, Mr Alexander Bauer, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to sustainable engineering solutions rather than short-term fixes.

Bauer stressed the importance of early stakeholder engagement and proper coordination before construction activities begin.

The meeting also examined access to project drawings and technical information required to improve coordination between water and road infrastructure projects.

Julius Berger explained that releasing detailed project drawings remained subject to approval from the appropriate client.

Both organisations therefore agreed on the need to engage the Lagos State Government to secure necessary approvals and strengthen technical collaboration.

The discussions also focused on accurate pipeline information and its importance in planning future water infrastructure and urban development projects.

The LWC delegation raised concerns about uncoordinated borehole drilling and its potential effects on groundwater resources and the ecosystem.

Participants noted that stronger public water supply systems could reduce dependence on individual boreholes and help protect underground water resources.

Construction & Maintenance

They also agreed on the importance of sharing information on construction activities, road conditions, project schedules and potential disruptions.

Security and community considerations were also discussed, with Julius Berger highlighting its engagement with relevant authorities on security infrastructure within the area.

The meeting ended with a shared commitment to open communication, stronger technical coordination and exploring further opportunities for collaboration.

The engagement is expected to strengthen synergies between water and road infrastructure planning and support resilient and sustainable infrastructure development across Lagos.

Environment

IYD: Climate experts advocate investment in African youth

Published

2 days ago

August 17, 2026

The Tide

Some Climate Experts across Africa have called for investment in African youth to enhance future security.

They made the call on Wednesday during a webinar organised by Planet, People and Peace Foundation (PPPF), a non-governmental organisation, to observe 2026 International Youth Day (IYD).

According to them, there is a need to invest, listen and create opportunities for young African people.

The Tide source reports that the 2026 theme of the IYD is “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations’’.

Miss Bisi Kumuyi, the Secretary, Climate Beyond Border Caravan (CBBC), Nigeria, who canvassed for investment in youth, said the future of Africa would be determined by the opportunities the continent created for its young people today.

The CBBC, an initiative of PPPF, is a pan-African, youth-led campaign promoting climate action, cross-border cooperation and green economic transformation across the continent.

‘‘As Africa joins the rest of the world to commemorate International Youth Day on Aug. 12, 2026, we celebrate the energy, creativity, resilience and determination of young Africans who continue to shape the continent’s present and future.

‘‘This year’s theme reminds us that young people across Africa live in different social, economic and cultural circumstances.

‘‘They share common aspirations: access to quality education, decent employment, innovation, peace, inclusion, environmental sustainability and opportunities to fulfil their potential,’’ she said.

Also speaking, Mrs Nouran Farouk, an Egyptian Climate Activist, called for urgent investment in Africa’s youth.

According to her, Africa is the world’s youngest continent, and its youthful population represented one of its greatest assets.

Environment

PWDs: CCD Unveils Report On Climate Change Impacts, Urges Implementation

Published

2 days ago

August 17, 2026

The Tide

The Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) has unveiled a research report on impacts of climate change on Persons With Disabilities (PWDs), calling for its implementation in the country.

The Acting Director CCD, Mr Godwin Unumeri, made the call at the public presentation of the report titled: “Disability-Inclusive Greenhouse Gas Emission and Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation in Nigeria” on Wednesday in Lagos.

The event brought together government institutions, development partners, civil society organisations, persons with disabilities and other key stakeholder to foster dialogue, collaboration and stronger commitment to disability-inclusive climate change adaptation and mitigation in Nigeria.

Unumeri urged stakeholders to strengthen collaboration and policy commitment toward building climate resilience and ensuring the inclusion of persons with disabilities in Nigeria’s climate response.

He noted that valuable insights and recommendations from stakeholders at a validation workshop in February had been incorporated into the report.

According to him, effective implementation of the recommendations requires sustained collaboration, strong policy commitment, adequate resource mobilisation and coordinated action across sectors.

“By working together, we can translate these findings into practical interventions that strengthen climate resilience and ensure the full inclusion of persons with disabilities in Nigeria’s climate response,” he said.

In her remarks, the General Manager, Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA), Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, urged the stakeholders to ensure that the report would be translated into practical interventions to enhance full inclusion of PWDs particularly in climate change policies.