Rivers
We Must Support HYPREP’s Mangrove Restoration Project To Succeed -Minister
The Minister of State for Environment, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, has promised that the Federal Government would support the ongoing mangrove restoration project of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) to succeed.
Salako, who gave the assurance during a visit to some remediation sites in Ogoniland in Rivers State recently, said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu prioritises the issue of environment as could be seen in the Renewed Hope agenda and the eight priority areas of his administration.
He also noted that when it comes to the issue of climate change mitigation, Nigeria plays an important role, adding that one important resource that Nigeria and, indeed, Africa have to offer is nature- based solutions to climate change.
“When it comes to the issue of climate change, one important resource that Nigeria and indeed Africa have to offer is nature-based solutions. When we are talking about nature-based solutions, our mangrove forest is a very very important element of that. Nigeria has the largest mangrove forest in Africa and about the third in the entire world, which means that our mangrove forest is very important to the fight against climate change. So we must support HYPREP to ensure that the mangrove restoration project is done,” he said.
He further indicated that Nigeria actively participated in key events at the recently held Conference of Parties(COP28) in Dubai and also took part in the Alliance for Climate Change anchored by countries that are dedicated to the restoration of the mangrove.
Salako, who also visited the construction site of the ongoing Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration, where he was taken round by HYPREP’s Project Coordinator, Prof Nenibarini Zabbey, expressed delight over the project, describing it as the largest project the Federal Ministry of Environment is carrying out anywhere in the world and the second biggest of the Federal Government in the South South region after the East-West Road.
When completed in September, 2025, he said the project which is significant and very important is going to be a very impactful project at the heart of the Niger Delta.
“I have been taken round the project and I can see the vision of those who conceived it. I hope on completion, the people of the Niger Delta and, indeed, the entire global community would come around and celebrate this magnificent edifice,” he said.
The Minister, who equally visited the legendary Birabi Memorial Grammar School in Bori, used the opportunity to plant 10 trees, which he said are symbolic and significant to him personally.
According to him, the planting of the trees was part of his new year green resolutions to plant at least 50 trees this year in each of the geopolitical zones of the country.
He hinted that the 10 trees planted in the school are for the South South geopolitical zone, and urged students, teachers and the Principal of the school to help in nurturing the trees.
Salako equally inaugurated the Green Frontiers Club of the school as part of the clean environment campaign of the Federal Government.
The President of the club, who is the Senior Prefect of the school, Master Nathaniel Koalebari, alongside the other members of the club presented beautiful environmental renditions to the Minister and his entourage to the admiration of those present.
Both the Chairman of HYPREP’s Board of Trustees, Dr Michael Nweilaghi and the Project Coordinator, Prof Nenibarini Zabbey also planted trees in the school.
Meanwhile, the Minister also visited one of the remediation sites in Eleme Local Government Area, where he gained more insight into the enormous work HYPREP is doing in Ogoniland.
Said Salako, “I have been taken round one of the remediation sites in Eleme, and I have seen the very important work that is being done here. It is my hope that from here, Nigeria is learning a lot in terms of how to tackle the challenges of oil pollution, which is very common in the Niger Delta as a result of exploration and exploitation activities.What we are doing here is also to appreciate and recognise the very impactful contributions of the Niger Delta, the oil producing States and the oil producing communities of Nigeria to the economy. The government of Nigeria, therefore, has taken it as an important responsibility to ensure that those areas that have contributed so well to the growth of the economy are also supported to ensure that they have good livelihoods, better standard of living; the health of the people is protected and the environment is conserved.”
He further indicated that the environment has become a very important issue in global discourse these days because of the realisation that except the environment is used and treated in a sustainable manner, human beings would not have a place to live in as time goes on.
For this reason, Salako said the Federal Government is taking environmental issues seriously, as President Tinubu has prioritised the issue of environment.
Donatus Ebi
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.
National Youth Council of Nigeria, Rivers State Chapter, under the dynamic leadership of Amb. Ambrose Sopuruchukwu Okpor, has called on the result-oriented National President, Amb. Sokubo Saraigbe Sokubo, to re-contest.
This call stems from the overwhelming confidence reposed in him by Nigerian youths, based on his outstanding track record, charismatic leadership, and unwavering commitment to youth development.
This was contained in a statement made available to news men, yesterday.
Amb. Akpor explained that under the leadership of Amb. Sokubo the NYCN has experienced unprecedented progress in youth empowerment, advocacy, and national unity.
“I want to say that Amb. Sokubo’s ability to maintain harmony, sustainable peace, and foster an inclusive atmosphere within the youth leadership structure is a testament to his visionary and tactical approach to leadership.
“The Rivers State Chapter, with other progressive and stakeholders, believes he is best positioned to continue piloting the affairs of the Council towards greater heights”,he said.
The youth council chairman in the State further appeal to Sokubo to answer this noble call to serve once again, for the sake of continuity, growth, and the collective aspirations of Nigerian youths across the country.