Rivers
New Rumuolumeni DPO Assures IAUE Of Effective Security
The New Divisional Police Officer (DPO) for Rumuolumeni Police Station, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Ngozi Ada Oha, has assured Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE), Rumuolumeni, Port-Harcourt that the Force would create a safe and secured environment for Staff, Students and University Community.
Speaking when she paid a familiarisation visit to the Acting Vice Chancellor of IAUE, Professor Okechuku Onuchuku, recently, at the Council Chambers of the University, CSP Oha said she would deploy effective protective measures to prevent and mitigate threats and challenges in the institution arising from co-habitation of multitude of staff and students from different backgrounds, with diverse political ideologies, different orientations, trainings and religious inclinations.
She disclosed that most students join cultism not necessarily because they are cowards, but more because they have low self esteem, inferiority complex and want to undo each other, their lecturers and others that they perceive as weak and enemies.
DPO Oha described cultism as worse than stealing, and tantamount to killing, and encouraged those threatened to speak up.
She said they would regularly patrol round the campus to deter and respond to any criminal activity so as to bring to the barest minimum the menace of cult related activities.
The DPO, who informed that she enrolled in the Nigerian Academy since 2005, said she has served the force at different levels and capacities across the country, hinting that she has rendered security services at Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Benue, Lagos States before being transferred back to Rivers State.
She called for collaboration and partnership with the University Authority, on intelligence gathering to gain timely information communicated on potential security threats in the ivory tower.
Oha, who emphasized that information is key to solving societal problems, solicited for support in addressing security issues to ensure that the affirmation by the Director of the Rivers State Security Service that Ignatius Ajuru University of Education is the safest University in the South-South region of the Country remains the same under her watch.
She enumerated some of her achievements since she assumed office as Rumuolumeni Divisional Police Officer as uncovering plot by some cultists who came with cult badges for distribution at the Rumuolumeni Community, arrest of Operation Special Protection Area Command (OSPAC) Member who came to operate at the Rumuolumeni Community and “one chance operators” who came all the way from Ngwa in Abia State to carry out their nefarious activities in Port-Harcourt.
DPO Oha assured that her team would work amicably with the University to sanitize the institution and its environs.
Responding, the Acting Vice Chancellor of IAUE, Professor Onuchuku, thanked the DPO for initiating the visit and for the synergy.
While agreeing that institutions of higher learning and surrounding environment are sometimes volatile, he stressed the need to separate those who are just in the school to forment trouble with their devilish acts from those that are good and genuinely want to study.
He stated that “if a conscious and deliberate effort is not put in place to ensure a safe environment for the protection of the few good students, the likely tendency would be that the bad ones would influence and corrupt thereby creating a greater problem for everyone”.
Professor Onuchuku stated further that the University has zero tolerance for cultism, hinting that cultism is outdated as those who were once members have realised that it is very unprofitable and are now joining reputable organisations and rendering voluntary services to help people in dire need.
He vowed to deal decisively with any student caught in the act to serve as a deterrent to others.
He informed the DPO about the forthcoming examinations, adding that this is one of the times that Cultists cause mayhem, assuring that his doors will remain open for them to visit and work out modalities on how to stem the tide of cult-related activities and mitigate their menace.
The Acting Vice Chancellor explained that the University tries to maintain peace during Student Union Government week by closely monitoring their activities to prevent hoodlums from taking advantage of the week.
He expressed dismay that rather than engage in intellectual based symposiums that would stimulate knowledge, students opt for activities like Jeans Carnival with its attendant reckless driving, Beauty Pageant, Rag Day, Parties that adds no value to their lives.
While thanking the team for the visit and looking forward to a stronger relationship, he guaranteed that the University would provide the necessary assistance, support and logistics for the Police to ensure adequate security of lives and property in the University and its environs.
In a vote of thanks, Superintendent of Police (SP) Leko Denis, also the Divisional Crime Officer (DCO) 1 of Rumuolumeni Police Division, appreciated the Acting Vice Chancellor for his comments and pledged that the force will work with the University to maintain law and order as well as prevent and control crime for the safety of all.
Also among the DPO’s entourage was the Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), who is also the Station Officer (SO) of Rumuolumeni Police Division, ASP Alagba Emenike.
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.