Rivers

Group Protests Hijack Of Pipeline Surveillance Contract …Demands Payment Of N19.2bn Compensation

Published

2 years ago

September 29, 2023

A group, under the aegis of Association of Niger Delta Upland Communities, has protested against their exclusion from oil surveillance contract by the Federal Government.
The protesters also shutdown activities of multi national Oil Companies (IOCs) operating in Rumuekpe Community, Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State over the issues.
The protesters, including women, youths, and the elderly, also demanded compensations of N19.2bn meant for eight months salary arrears from TNP Oil Surveillance in the area.
President, Association of Niger Delta Upland Communities, Isa Mohammed, decried the hijack of the surveillance contract in the area by indigenes of Riverine communities.
Mohammed demanded that the N19.2billion wrongfully diverted by PINL to fake warlords in the riverine communities meant for eight months salary arears of TNP Oil Surveillance in Rivers State, be returned to the upland communities.
He also called for the release of the original copies of documents for the oil surveillance contract for the TNP oil pipeline to the upland communities by the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
“Our people were not given the opportunity included in the master’s deal, whereby about 150 persons died in Rumuekpe in fire outbreak disaster in that TNP, even when the contract has been signed to the company”, he said.
He further stated that they will keep fighting for the right of the upland communities until their demands are met.
“We need equal right from Federal Government as we produce over 700,000 barrels of crude oil per day in Rumuekpe Manifold.
He, however, solicited for recognition of Niger Delta Upland Communities by the Federal, State, Local Government and oil companies operating within the upland communities.
Some indigenes of Rumuekpe Community, who spoke to The Tide on the sideline of the protest, decried the neglect of the community by government and Oil companies.
They also accused the International oil companies operating in the area of shying away from their corporate social responsibilities.
“We have four oil companies operating in Rumuekpe commtunity namely: NDPR, SPDC, NAOC (Agip) and TotalEnergies, but we are lacking basic amenities.
“When you are coming to Rumuekpe Community, you can see that we don’t have roads, we don’t have drinking water, no hospital, no market, no light and no school.
“We are calling on these companies and the government to provide these amenities for our people because we have suffered a lot”, they said.

By: John Bibor

Rivers

Fubara Restates Continued Support For NYSC In Rivers

Published

1 day ago

January 28, 2026

The Tide

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme in the state.

He gave the assurance during the swearing-in ceremony of the 2026 Batch A Stream I corps members on Friday at the Permanent Orientation Camp, Nonwa-Gbam, Tai Local Government Area of the state.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Benibo Anabraba, the Governor emphasised that no nation could develop or attain greatness without harnessing the potential of its youths, who are the leaders of tomorrow.

He assured the corps members that the ongoing renovation and upgrade of facilities at the camp would soon be completed.

The State Governor also stated that new infrastructure would be constructed to accommodate the increasing number of corps members deployed to the state.

The NYSC State Coordinator, Mr. Moses Oleghe, thanked the Governor for constructing a 1,000-capacity hostel accommodation for both male and female corps members at the camp.

Oleghe announced that a total of 2,638 corps members, comprising 1,007 males and 1,631 females, had completed their registration, while more than 300 corps members were yet to register.

The oath of office was administered by the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Chibuzor Amadi, who was represented by another judge, Justice Chika Mini.

Theresa Frederick & Charity Amiso

Rivers

Health Comm Charges Youth To Take Advantage Of Innovation Hub

Published

2 days ago

January 28, 2026

The Tide

The Rivers State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Chidinma Oreh, has called on adolescents and young people in the state to take full advantage of the newly established Adolescents and Young People Innovation Hub Centre, urging them to prioritize the acquisition of entrepreneurial and life skills that will empower them economically and support informed life choices.

Dr. Oreh made the call while commissioning the Innovation Hub Centre located at Fimie-Ama Community in Port Harcourt Local Government Area (PHALGA).

She disclosed that the Hub, which features ICT and robotics rooms, app development and media studios, beauty and vocational training spaces, wellness and counselling services, and a food technology unit, reflects a deep understanding of the diverse needs of adolescents and young people in society.

While applauding the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN), in partnership with Project HOPE, for initiating the laudable programme, the Commissioner noted that the Rivers State Government recognizes youth empowerment through skills acquisition, confidence building, and access to opportunities as a cornerstone of sustainable development, social stability, and economic growth.

She further assured of the continuous support of the Rivers State Government in creating an enabling environment for programmes that empower young people, promote innovation, reduce vulnerability, and contribute to overall socio-economic transformation.

Speaking earlier, the Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director of the Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria, Dr. Charles Olalekan Mensah, said the establishment of the Innovation Hub Centre is aimed at empowering young people with relevant skills and providing opportunities for long-term growth.

He added that the successful realization of the Hub is the result of strong leadership, strategic partnerships, and sustained collaboration among stakeholders.

In her goodwill message, the Country Director of the CDC, Nigeria, Dr. Meghna Desai, represented virtually by the Deputy Director, Programmes, Dr. Jerry Gwamna, described the Hub as a safe space for the holistic development of adolescents and young people.

She noted that the initiative will equip beneficiaries with critical entrepreneurial, technical, and life skills that reduce vulnerability and promote economic independence, including for young people living with HIV/AIDS.

Rivers

Andoni Chair Assures Safety After Cult-Related Attacks In Oyokotoro

Published

2 days ago

January 28, 2026

The Tide

The Chairman of Andoni Local Government Area (LGA), Hon. Lucky Promise-Otuo, has assured residents of Oyokotoro fishing settlement of their safety following recent cult-related attacks and threats to peace in the area.

In a statement he personally signed, Hon. Promise-Otuo disclosed that proactive measures have been put in place to prevent a breakdown of law and order. These include the deployment of security personnel to Oyokotoro and surrounding communities.

The Council Chairman stated that his administration is working closely with the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies to address the situation and prevent future occurrences.

He strongly condemned the attacks, describing them as unacceptable and a serious threat to the peace, safety, and the livelihoods of residents.

Hon. Promise-Otuo warned those responsible for the attacks to desist immediately, stressing that anyone found culpable would face the full weight of the law.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to maintaining peace and security across the LGA, assuring residents, visitors, and business operators of their safety.