Niger Delta
PWDs Want LG Elections In C’River
Persons Living with Disabilities (PWDs), under the auspices of TAF Africa, an NGO, has appealed to the Government of Cross River State to fix a date for Local Government Election in the state.
TAF Africa’s Convener, Dr. Jake Epelle, disxlosed this last Saturday in Calabar, during a workshop to train leaders of various disability groups on skillful and impactful advocacy to build their capacities.
Epelle said it was time for the present administration in Cross River State to put out a date and time for the LG polls.
He said the election would help Governoe Bassey Otu in his roadmap to building a virile state.
“We chose Cross River because we want to support the state through our project to have inclusive election, governance and Civil Society Organisations, (CSOs) that will champion the cause of disability inclusion in its entirety.
“The opportunities that will come out of this effort will go to PWDs with equity, because I can assure you that if PWDs are not united, we will get nothing.
In fact, some politicians will take advantage of the crisis and do nothing for us.
“Although TAF Africa has limited resources, with our effective management and goodwill, we can get a lot of things done as it concerns equipment for PWDs for the LG polls in the state”, he said.
Epelle stated that they wanted Cross River to be the first state to have a concrete and inclusive framework that would drive governance from the grassroot.
On his part, Prof. Anthony Owan-Enoh, Secretary to the Government of Cross River State said he was willing to link PWDs to the state government for them to get easy access.
Owan-Enoh noted that disability does not mean lack of ability because for every element of disability, there is so much potential and ability behind it.
“I have offered to be an ambassador for the PWDs in Cross River, to speak for them and help them get what they deserve.
“PWDs should come out of their shells, forget about their conditions and identify their potential like every other humans and contribute their best for the development of the society.
Similarly, Prof. Mike Oshie, Chairman Cross River Independent Electoral Commission (CROSIEC) said disability does not mean lack of capacity, adding that many PWDs in the commission had delivered when given opportunities.
“We have PWDs as staff in the commission and they participate during the elections. For the equipment needed for them, we will work with TAF Africa to help us in that area.
“The commission already has an electoral guideline but with this new development I have sent it to PWDs to review for us to adopt for a better LG poll”, he noted.
Some of the PWDs who spoke to The Tide’s source, said the workshop was enriching and would help them push better towards inclusion and integration of PWDs in the society.
They said apart from learning to live as contributors in the society and not like liabilities, they had learnt to engage in diplomatic advocacy to achieve their aims instead of resorting to violence.
The source reports that TAF Africa, formerly The Albino Foundation is an umbrella body of PWDs at the national and international level for advocacy through programme designs.
The Head of Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mrs Stella Dornubari Gbaraba, has charged the National Association of Ogoni Media House Workers (NAOMEW) World Wide, to be committed to professionalism, patriotism and effective service delivery in the discharge of their duties and rendering of patriotic gestures.
Mrs Gbaraba gave the charge yesterday when the NAOMEW, The Tide Chapter paid her a courtesy call in her office in Port Harcourt.
She expressed deep appreciation for the visit, and assured the Association of her commitment to being a worthy Ogoni Ambassador like late Mr Augustine Nwikinaka, former General Manager of the corporation, to promote the fortunes of the corporation, while counting on their unflinching encouragement, prayers and support to succeed.
“ I am very happy to receive the National Association of Ogoni Media House Workers (The Tide Chapter) today in my office. I am glad you people came to my office, for those that know me in a short while in the corporation, I am a serious-minded person. I heard that the time the corporation was functioning well was under the leadership of late Austin Nwikinaka. Any where I go to, I will rather come down and show working example and that is what the Ogoni person is known for. So I am always proud to associate myself with an Ogoni man, so your support means so much to me,” Mrs Gbaraba said.
She assured them of running an open-door policy in the management of the corporation, and urged stronger partnership between NAOMEW, other unions, interest groups, corporate organisations, institutions and the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation in professional service delivery.
Speaking on behalf of the NAOMEW, The Tide Chapter, the National Secretary of the association, Comrade Taneh Beemene welcomed her into The Tide family and also congratulated her on her very important appointment.
Taneh, who expressed confidence in her experience and abilities to deliver on her assignments, thanked her for the uncommon feats recorded in the corporation within her brief leadership. He said the corporation has been revived from its comatose status that predated her appointment.
“ Within your short time, you have given the corporation a remarkable facelift. We pray that God should give you the enablement to restore the dignity of the corporation. We have come to inform you that we are solidly behind you and will make our untiring contributions to make you succeed, “ he stated.
In his vote of thanks and closing remarks, the Chairman, National Union of Printing, Publishing and Paper Production Workers (NUPPPPROW), Comrade Keyirale Donatus Nwiueh thanked the Head of the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mrs Stella Dornubari Gbaraba for receiving the association in a warm manner, adding that she should count on the support of the association to succeed.
Kiadum Edookor
Niger Delta
OBALGA Sole Administrator Presents Brand New Fire Extinguishers To Council …Commiserates With Traders Over Rumuomasi Market Fire Incident …Commences Desilting Of Drainages
The Sole Administrator of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Dr Clifford Ndu Walter has presented 150 brand new fire extinguishers to the council.
Dr Walter who spoke to newsmen at the council premises at Rumuodumanya said the gesture was part of measures by his administration to ensure safety of lives and council property from unforeseen fire incidents.
He urged the staff of the council to ensure the safety of the extinguishers, while promising to engage experts to teach them how to handle and operate the extinguishers.
Meanwhile, Sole Administrator of Obio Akpor Local Government Council, Dr Clifford Ndu Walter has commiserated with traders at the Rumuomasi Market over the unfortunate fire incident that gutted parts of the market.
Dr Walter who visited the market to assess the level of damage caused by the fire, described it as unfortunate
Addressing the crowd of distressed traders and community members, Dr. Walter acknowledged the historical significance of the market, which was originally built under the administration of the former Obio/Akpor Chairman and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief (Barr.) Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON.
He noted that preliminary findings suggest the fire may have been caused by an electrical fault, though a full investigation is still underway.
“As a local government, we will constitute a thorough investigation team to determine the root cause of the fire,
“Most importantly, we thank God that no lives were lost. I want to assure our traders that the Local Government will not abandon you.
“We will also work with security operatives to safeguard salvaged goods and prevent further losses,” he said.
He encouraged traders to adopt stricter safety measures, especially concerning electrical appliances in markets prone to fire hazards.
“There are many ways fires can ignite, even without an open flame. Let us all be vigilant and prioritise safety,” he cautioned.
Dr. Walter also commended those who stepped in to assist during the emergency.
“We are grateful to all who helped salvage goods and support affected persons during the crisis. Your kindness embodies the spirit of Obio/Akpor. The forthcoming investigation will help us put preventive structures in place,” he said.
The Chairman of the market, Mr. Prince Adele, who accompanied Dr. Walter, during the inspection, identified K-Lane as the most severely affected area.
A statement by the information officer to the council, Ominini Leslie Wokoma said no incident of death was reported by the traders during the visit.
In another development, the Sole Administrator of Obio/Akpor local government council, Sir Clifford Ndu Walter, has commenced a comprehensive canal clearance campaign with a view to identifying and removal of all blockages including illegal structures hindering the free flow of waters in the area.
A statement from the council Press Secretary, Ominini Leslie Wokoma said during the inspection of key canals in the area, several unauthorised barricades and blockages were discovered and removed.
According to the statement, Dr Walter emphasised that illegal dumping, unapproved structures and poor drainage habits endanger communities and undermine government efforts, adding that his administration is committed to protecting lives and property of the citizens.
It said the Sole Administrator also declared his readiness to ensure that all canals and drainages are cleaned, maintained and functioning effectively.
He also warned against further dumping of waste in waterways, citing impending flooding.