Rivers

Withdraw Your Men From Our Councils, Yobana Tells IGP

Published

1 year ago

July 24, 2024

The Caretaker Committee (CTC) Chairman of Khana Local Government Area, Ambassador Marvin Yobana, has called on the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to withdraw his men from all the 23 Local Government secretariats in Rivers State.
Amb. Yobana made the call while playing host to members of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Bori Branch, and Khana Lawyers Forum at Khana, on Friday.
The council boss, according to a statement by his media team, urged the IGP not to be partisan in the political crisis rocking the State, saying the Police have a duty to protect, and not to prevent workers from accessing their offices.
He said the salary paid to local government workers can only be justified if they are allowed to access their offices and work.
“Imagine a situation whereby Khana Council pays N200 million salary to its workers on monthly basis, yet the Police do not allow them to work. We as CTC members had to hire drivers and other aides to do their work. We are trying to stop bottlenecks to achieve effective working council.
“We are using this opportunity to appeal to the IGP, so that the Council can be open for workers to resume work. I don’t see any reason why the Council should be under lock and key.
“He (IGP) is a professional and should not be seen as being partisan by calling his men to leave our Council secretariat”, he said.
Yobana described the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminilayi Fubara, as a man of peace who is poised to deliver good governance and dividends of democracy to the people of the State.
“The Executive Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, is a mantra that has people’s face and has gone through the ranks and files; he has the mandate of the people, so he should be allowed to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people of Rivers State.
“The people of Khana today can testify to the fact that they are one of the first beneficiaries of the dividends of democracy under Governor Fubara led-Government.
“His administration has started working on the Bori Zonal Hospital as well as deploying enough doctors to work in the hospital”, he noted.
The Chairman commended lawyers in the State for standing firm on the side of truth and justice.
He, however, charged lawyers and the Police on how to decongest the prisons using the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) method to stop more people from going to court on every little issue.
He promised to support the NBA, Bori Branch, towards enabling them to go for their annual conference in Lagos.
The leader of the NBA delegation, Idris Abayomi Shehu, had earlier thanked Yobana, for appointing some NBA members into his cabinet.
He said the NBA members were in the Council to partner with the Chairman on on how to develop the area as well as to seek for financial support to enable 200 members of the Bori Branch attend their annual conference holding in Lagos between August 23 and August 28, 2024.
Shehu appealed to the Khana CTC boss to look into the security issue confronting lawyers in Bori, adding that more security personnel are needed to man the two courts in Bori so that the environment is made friendly for their members to stay and work.
The NBA members commended Yobana for developmental projects he has put in place within a short period in office, saying it will be their joy to see him elected as the Khana Local Government substantive chairman.
They commiserated with the CTC chairman over the death of his mother and prayed God to grant the departed eternal rest.
Also speaking, the Khana Lawyers Forum’s Chairman, Dr. Dusor Ambrose, urged the people of Ogoni to support Yobana in his efforts to deliver the dividends of democracy to his people, describing him as a worthy ambassador of Ogoni.

Rivers

Ikwerre Council Boss Bans Scavenger Operations

Published

2 days 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

Rivers

Renaissance Energy Spends $3m To Upgrade GTC

Published

2 days ago

November 10, 2025

The Tide

Renaissance Africa Energy Company has invested over 3 million US dollars in the ongoing upgrade of facilities at the Government Technical College (GTC), Okujagu, Port Harcourt.

The General Manager, Nigerian Content Development at Renaissance, Mr. Olanrewaju Olawuyi, disclosed this during a stakeholder meeting on the project in Port Harcourt on Friday.

Olawuyi said the initiative reflected the company’s strong commitment to advancing human capacity development and promoting technical education in Nigeria.

According to him, upon completion, the college would rank among the best technical institutions in Africa and compete favourably with its counterparts globally.

“We have already invested over 3 million USD in rebuilding the college, equipping it, and training staff, among other aspects.

“The project is still ongoing, and additional funds will be deployed to ensure its completion”, he said.

Olawuyi explained that the project, which is being implemented in collaboration with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), was structured into three phases.

He noted that the first phase involved upgrading facilities, including constructing new buildings and refurbishing existing ones such as the ICT centre and four workshops.

“The second phase focusses on equipping the college with the latest tools and technologies in the ICT centre and workshops”, he stated.

He added that the third phase prioritised sustainability through teacher training, student skill development, and establishing mechanisms that would enable the college to generate revenue for its operations.

“Our goal is to make the college self-sustaining through capacity development and financial independence.

“This stakeholder engagement is aimed at ensuring that all parties work together to achieve this objective”, he said.

On security, Olawuyi said Renaissance and NCDMB had begun engaging key stakeholders to ensure the protection of the project.

He said the engagement included consultations with community leaders, the GTC management, faith-based organisations, and local business owners.

Emphasising that the project belongs to the public, he urged residents to take collective responsibility in protecting it against vandalism and theft.

“We are working with stakeholders to resolve issues such as encroachment on the fencing areas and to take responsibility of protecting the facility.

“Whether you are a native or resident of Rivers State, everyone has an equal stake in the college.

“So, if anyone observes vandalism or theft, they should report it to the police or the school board. We all must protect this project”, Olawuyi appealed.

In his remark, the Director of Capacity Building Development at NCDMB, Mr. Abayomi Bamidele, said beyond its regulatory role in oil and gas industry, the board was deeply involved in promoting educational development.

He noted that NCDMB collaborates with companies through its Human Capacity Development Initiative to enhance the socio-economic development of their host communities.

“This is why projects like the Government Technical College upgrade are very important to NCDMB.

“We are passionate about supporting development in universities, vocational education centres, and both secondary and primary schools”, Bamidele said.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Port Harcourt Local Government Area, Allwell Ihunda, assured Renaissance Energy of the local government’s full support to ensure the project’s successful completion.

He described education as a key driver of societal development, commending Renaissance for its investment in the state’s human capital.

According to him, the local government will work closely with Renaissance and NCDMB to address any security concerns relating to the project.

Ihunda also pledged to tackle encroachment on the college’s property and assured that all illegal structures around its perimeter fence would be demolished.

By: Theresa Frederick & Charity Amiso

Rivers

NLNG Lauds Young Scientists, Bids Winners Welcome

Published

2 days ago

November 10, 2025

The Tide

The Nigeria Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) has feted winners of the 2025 Nigeria LNG Science Quiz and Science Teachers Association of Nigeria (STAN) National Science Competition at a glittering honourary reception in Port Harcourt.

General Manager, Nigeria LNG, External Relations, and Sustainable Development, Dr. Sophia Horsfall, welcomed the young achievers, their teachers, and parents, hailing the students as “champions” whose success symbolises the rise of an entire community.

Addressing the gathering at the event held at the Learning Centre of the organisation, Horsfall celebrated Community Secondary School, Igbo-Etche, and Oginigba Comprehensive Secondary School for their stellar performances.

Oginigba Comprehensive emerged winners of the Science Project Fair Category, while Community Secondary School, Igbo-Etche, secured third place in the Quiz Category at the STAN national finals in Abeokuta.

“You brought great honour to Rivers State, to your schools, and to Nigeria LNG,” Horsfall said. “You have distinguished yourselves as great scholars. I hope you maintain this high standard through your education and in all you do in life.”

She lauded the students’ perseverance, urging them to leverage the foundation built through the competitions to pursue impactful careers, whether as researchers, engineers, or educators.

“We believe some of you can unlock disease mysteries, design sustainable technologies, or inspire the next generation of scientists”,she said.

Horsfall also thanked parents and teachers for nurturing the young talents, noting their role in laying the groundwork for future breakthroughs.

To the awardees, she said: “As you return to your schools and communities, carry this victory with pride. Let it inspire you…and others…to continue striving for knowledge and excellence.”

The students, beaming with pride, received commendations as Nigeria LNG reaffirmed support for educational initiatives to shape tomorrow’s leaders.

In their separate speeches, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, who was represented by a Director in the Ministry, Mrs. Inisefiekabo Tam-Job, and the Chairman, Science Teachers Association of Nigeria (STAN), Rivers State Branch, Dr. Peters Nwagor, eulogised the students for making the State proud and thanked Nigeria LNG for giving opportunities to Government owned schools, rewarding hardworking students and teachers, which is transforming Public schools in the State

They stressed that there’s no future without science as it holds the key to research and problem-solving, and urged the students to distinguish themselves by maintaining high standards in their Education.

On their part, the students expressed appreciation to NLNG and the STAN for the opportunities given them to shine.

The programme featured inspirational remarks, recognition of achievements, presentation of Awards to the students, teachers and schools.

By; Tonye Nria-Dappa