Niger Delta
Diri’s Ex-Aide Wants Marine Reserves Establishment In Bayelsa
Former Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, on Tourism and Chairman, Board of Trustees of BRACED Tourism Promotion and Development Initiative (BTPDI), Dr. Piriye Kiyaramo, has stressed the need for the government to designate areas with high marine species richness as “Marine Protected Areas” in Bayelsa State.
This, he said, was in line with the Governor’s desire to create a Ministry of Blue Economy in his second tenure.
Kiyaramo, who spoke with newsmen at the Ernest Ikoli Press Centre, Yenagoa, recently hinted that studies have indicated that three-quarter of coastal countries don’t have even one marine reserve, and that less than three percent of the global ocean is under some form of protection.
He reiterated that unsustainable practices and over exploitation of marine resources could lead to environmental degradation and negatively impact the long-term sustainability of the Blue Economy.
“The marine protected areas have been used as part of conservation measures for decades in advanced countries.
“The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) defines a protected area as a clearly defined geographical space, recognised, dedicated and managed, through legal or other effective means, to achieve the long term conservation of nature with associated ecosystem services and cultural values.
“Reserves protect the whole ecosystems, allowing them to return toward a more natural and balanced state.
“Monitoring studies from marine reserves have also shown that biomass, the size and density of organisms, and the richness or diversity of species all increase within marine reserves.
“Therefore, reserves can be an effective way to preserve biodiversity by protecting communities and providing refuge for rare organisms”, he said.
He noted that the blue economy is all about sustainable use of marine resources and the opportunities around oceans for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and job creation, while also making concerted efforts towards preserving marine health and coastal ecosystems.
“Blue Economy encompasses various economic sectors, including fisheries, aquaculture, tourism, marine, renewable energy, maritime transportation, security, and coastal infrastructure development, among others.
“According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, the ocean economy contributed $1.5tn to the global economy in 2010 and is projected to double by 2030.
“Blue economy recognises the importance of oceans and their resources to the global economy and society”, he added.
The governor’s former aide lamented that while countries such as Norway, United States, Ireland, United Kingdom, Canada, Seychelles, Morocco, and Mauritania are maximising the use of their marine environment and blue economy, most African countries were not.
Kiyaramo urged the Bayelsa State Governor to take the lead in exploring the potential of the Blue Economy in the state, reiterating that an additional advantage of developing the Blue Economy is that it would always recognise the importance of addressing climate change, reducing marine pollution, and enhancing ocean resilience to protect marine ecosystems and ensure their sustainability through sustainable use of the ocean and the coastal waters.
“Several organisations and initiatives promote global blue economy, including the World Ocean Council, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14, which is “life below water”, and the European Union’s Blue Growth Strategy.
“These initiatives aim to promote the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, while protecting the environment and ensuring social equity. The European Commission defines Blue Economy as “all economic activities related to oceans, seas and coasts”, he stated
Ariwera Ibibo-Howells,
Yenagoa
Niger Delta
RSNC Head Charges NAOMEW On Professionalism, Effective Service Delivery

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.
Niger Delta
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