Rivers

Ex-Chief Whip Credits Political Success To God, Wike

Published

2 years ago

September 13, 2023

The immediate past Chief Whip of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Evans Bapakaye Bipi, has attributed his successful political career in the last 12 years to the benevolence of God and the support of former Governor of the State, Cheif Nyesom Wike.
He said this at a special family Thanksgiving Service at the St. Martin’s Anglican Church, Ogu, in Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Hon Bipi said he felt fulfilled that God had given him the opportunity to serve the people of Ogu/Bolo LGA in the last 12 years.
“As I stand before you today on this momentous occasion of a Special Thanksgiving Service, I feel a deep sense of fulfilment and an immeasurable gratitude to the Almighty God and to Rivers people, especially the good people of Ogu/Bolo Constituency on whose mandate I rode on to the Rivers State House of Assembly”, he said.
According to the former lawmaker, “this Special Thanksgiving Service was borne out of the need to express my profound gratitude and immense appreciation to God for seeing me through in my journey to the Rivers State House of Assembly, where I represented the good people of Ogu/Bolo Constituency and contributed towards the advancement of good governance in our dear State.
“But for God, who is the lifter of men, and the sustained support of some well-meaning individuals whom God used to create my pathway in destiny, I would not have been able to fulfil my dream in politics thus far.
“Let me acknowledge with a heartfelt gratitude, our amiable former Governor and Honourable Minister of FCT, His Excellency, Chief Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON, GSSRS, Life Bencher, for being instrumental in my journey to the Rivers State House of Assembly vis-à-vis my successful terms in office.
“It is pertinent to state that the former Governor was not just instrumental in my election and re-elections, he graciously granted approvals while in office which enabled me attract and execute several critical people-oriented projects in my constituency.
“My gratitude to him knows no bound and I will never take his kindness towards me and my family for granted”, he said.
Rt Hon Bipi also thanked the political leaders of Ogu/Bolo LGA for what he called their immense support and encouragement.
He listed for commendations the new Executive Director of Finance and Administration of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Chief Boma Iyaye, and Traditional Rulers, Community Leaders, Women and Youth Leaders of the LGA.
“I also acknowledge the commendable role played by the various political groups of Ogu/Bolo in my journey to the Rivers State House of Assembly, most importantly the Women Group led by Miss Christy Tamunobereton-ari for standing up against some unknown gunmen in military uniform who came to steal votes and subvert the free will of the people of Ogu/Bolo during my re-election in 2019.
“I, therefore, crave the indulgence of all who made it to this auspicious occasion in my honour to kindly join me as I make my way to the alter to appreciate and return all the Glory to God for my successful terms in the Rivers State House of Assembly”, he said.
In his sermon at the occasion, the Bishop, Diocese of Okrika Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Rt Rev. Enoch Atuboyedia Obianime, called on Nigerians to accept Christ as their personal Lord and Saviour.
Obianime, whose sermon was titled “Sure Mercy of God”, said God always established covenant with those whose ways are pleasing to Him.
He also said Christ is the solution to the numerous problems facing the country, adding that Evans Bapakaye Bipi has done so much for the church.
Also speaking, Chairman of Ogu Divisional Council of Chiefs, Chief Adokiye . O. Chuku, said the community is impressed with the achievements of Rt. Hon Bipi in the last 12 years as a lawmaker.
Chief Chuku said the former lawmaker has attracted numerous development projects to Ogu Town and its environs.
Similarly, a former lawmaker, Chief Michael Okey Chinda, said Rt, Hon Bipi never disappointed those who came in contact with him.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Deputy Speaker, Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Dumle Maol , the Amanyanabo of Opobo, King Dandeson Douglas Jaja, and Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Hon. Boma Iyaye, among others.

By: John Bibor

Rivers

Navy Targets Training Reforms To Boost Maritime Operations

Published

2 days ago

November 19, 2025

The Tide

The Nigerian Navy has pledged to strengthen the training of its personnel to ensure improved performance in both sea and land operations across the country.

The new Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) the Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Zipele, made this known on Monday during a handover and takeover ceremony held in Ebubu-Eleme, Rivers.

The Tide’s source reports that Zipele succeeded Rear Adm. Robert Obeya following a recent posting exercise that saw the redeployment of 65 senior officers.

Zipele stated that the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, had reiterated his commitment to professionalism, discipline, and operational excellence within the Navy.

“This can only be achieved through effective training and retraining of personnel”, he said.

The FOC added that beyond training, his administration would work closely with the Naval Headquarters to enhance training standards and operational efficiency across all Nigerian Navy training institutions.

“President Bola Tinubu deemed it necessary to appoint new Service Chiefs to restructure the nation’s security architecture.

“In line with this mandate of the CNS, one of our key goals is to review and improve our training systems to address contemporary security challenges.

“The CNS is deeply passionate about personnel training because it is essential to achieving operational efficiency in addressing the current security issues facing our nation,” he explained.

Zipele emphasised that every sailor had a crucial role to play in building on the Navy’s existing successes in combating oil theft, sea robbery and piracy, among other maritime crimes.

He noted that NAVTRAC was responsible for overseeing the training of personnel across its professional institutions to prepare them for emerging security threats.

According to him, the Navy’s training programmes will be enhanced through the integration of modern technologies to ensure greater effectiveness.

“The only way to confront security challenges facing our nation is through intensive and continuous training across all formations and units.

“As I assume command of NAVTRAC, I am confident that with the support of the CNS and personnel, we will elevate the standard of training in the Nigerian Navy to greater heights”, Zipele affirmed.

In his remarks, the outgoing FOC, Obeya, said the command achieved significant progress despite some challenges encountered during his tenure.

He commended the officers, ratings and civilian staff for their cooperation and urged them to extend the same level of support to his successor.

“During my command, we prioritised the use of technology, certification, and the accreditation of Nigerian Navy professional courses.

“We developed strategies to revitalise naval training in line with the new platform acquisitions, ensuring that our graduates can compete favourably with their counterparts across the world”, Obeya said.

He added that the command had addressed statutory training requirements and conducted a curriculum review to align with current security realties.

He, however, noted a shortage of the skilled manpower required to effectively deliver training in naval institutions.

Rivers

New Year Festival: Dokubo Urges Citizens’ Reorientation In Cultural Values

Published

2 days ago

November 19, 2025

The Tide

The Paramount Ruler of Torusaramapiri, Kalabari ethnic group in Rivers, Alhaji Asari Dokubo, has called for citizens’ reorientation in cultural values and heritage.

He made the call at the second edition of the Kalabari New Year festival, organised by the Kalabari Renaissance Foundation at Elem, Kalabari, in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers.

Speaking on the significance of the event, Dokubo said it represented a return to the traditional values of the Kalabari people.

He also stressed the need for the people to prioritise their cultural norms and values to preserve their ancestral identity.

“This is not just about celebration, it’s about recreating ourselves, bringing us back from death; it is not just Kalabari, it’s about all of us and our values.

‘’It is time we began to re-evaluate ourselves, join hands, revive our traditional values and heritage so that we don’t loose our cultural identity and spiritual trajectory”, Dokubo said.

Speaking, the Chief Administrator and Chairman of Kalabari Renaissance Foundation (the organisers of the festival), Mr. Awolayeofori Harry MacMorrison, said the event marked the beginning of a new calendar year for the Kalabari people.

He explained that the festival was an annual ritual, observed after November 15 when the tide cleansed the pollution from the popular Sombrero River, describing the annual occurance as a renewal of the Kalabari people.

MacMorrison said though the festival was not new to the people, the initiative by the Renaissance Foundation had made it more unifying.

“It is the renewal of the people, Kalabari area is a saline environment and at specific period of the year, the Sombrero River flows in and pollutes the river.

“However, November 15, across Kalabari, the tide turns and takes all the fresh water that polluted the saline river back to the Sombrero River”, he said.

He explained that with the natural occurrence, the Kalabari calendar year ended every November 15, while November 16 would mark the beginning of the year in the community.

On his part, the President, Tourism Association of Nigeria (EFTAN), Mr. Badaki Aliyu, commended the organisers and the people for preserving their age-long culture.

He also applauded the paramount ruler for sustaining the trend, saying that the festival would continue to promote unity in the area.

“We won’t take this visit for granted, we will do a lot of research and publicity on this.

“We would also ensure that these natural toursm potentials are properly channeled for the economic good of the people”, Aliyu added.

By: Theresa Frederick & Charity Amiso

Rivers

Ikwerre Council Boss Bans Scavenger Operations

Published

1 week ago

November 10, 2025

The Tide

The Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area (LGA), Hon. Charles Wobodo, has banned scavenger operations within the area, citing rising security threats, vandalism, and environmental degradation linked to the activity.

Wobodo made the declaration during an unscheduled visit to one of the scavenger sites in Elele Community, recently.

He also expressed concern over the illegal operations being carried out under the guise of scrap collection.

Accordingly, he said the council could no longer tolerate activities that endanger lives and properties.

The Chairman, who was visibly displeased with the level of disorder and environmental nuisance at the site, said several reports had linked scavengers to cases of theft, vandalism of public infrastructure, and unwholesome environmental practices.

“From what I have seen here today, it is clear that these scavengers are operating outside the law. We cannot allow this to continue”, he said.

According to him, the council’s decision to impose a total ban was informed by the increasing security challenges and complaints from residents and community leaders.

“We have received numerous reports of missing cables, stolen manhole covers, and break-ins traced to scavengers. Enough is enough!”, he declared.

Wobodo further disclosed that security agencies had been directed to immediately seal all scavenger sites in the local government area and arrest anyone found operating or aiding such activities.

“Anyone who buys from these illegal operators will be treated as an accomplice. We are determined to rid Ikwerre of all forms of criminals disguised as scavenging”, he said.

During the visit, the chairman ordered the immediate evacuation of all waste materials and condemned the unhygienic state of the site. He described the location as a potential health hazard and an environmental risk to surrounding residents.

Speaking with The Tide after the chairman’s visit, a resident of Elele, Mr. Bright Eke, commended the council’s decision, noting that scavengers had become a source of insecurity in the area.

“We’ve had several cases where they steal electric cables and invade people’s compounds. This action by the chairman is long overdue”, he said.

Meanwhile, the people have called on the KELGA boss to form Environmental and Security taskforce teams in order to begin immediate enforcement of the ban in Elele and other major communities in the area.

By: King Onunwor