Rivers
Ogoni Community Urges CTC Chairman To Contest Oct 5 LG Polls …Thanks Fubara, Yobana For Rural Electrification Projects

The people of Kono-Boue in Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State have urged the Caretaker Committee Chairman of the Council, Ambassador Marvin Yobana, to contest the October 5 local government election in the area.
The endorsement was made by the Vice Chairman of Kono-Boue Stakeholders’ Forum, Dr John Baris Deekor, in appreciation of the rural electrification projects delivered to the community by the CTC chairman, last Thursday.
Speaking during the commissioning of rural electrification in Kono-Boue, last Thursday, Deekor expressed satisfaction with the leadership style of the CTC chairman, saying he deserves a chance to be elected as the substantive chairman of Khana LGA to enable him consolidate on his achievements.
He thanked the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, for appointing Yobana as the CTC Chairman of the Council, describing his appointment as apt, suitable and most appropriate.
He, however, appealed to the governor to give Yobana the right of first refusal to contest the October 5 local government polls in the area.
“Your Excellency Sir, may we use this opportunity to inform you that Kono-Boue community is completely satisfied with the leadership style and good works of Hon. (Amb) Marvin Yobana, and thus call on you to give him the right of first refusal to contest the chairmanship of Khana LGA on 5th October, 2024. This will enable him to consolidate on the achievements he has already made within these few days in office as the CTC Chairman,” Deekor said.
He noted that the people of Kono-Boue community had been in total darkness for over 16 years, saying the commissioning of the rural electrification in the area by Yobana’s administration would bring a great relief to the people of the area.
He said, “This occasion of rural electrification of Kono-Boue community by your administration through the caretaker chairman, Khana LGA, at this critical time in the political history of Rivers State and the most trying time of your administration is an indication that God sent you to Kono-Boue people, Bua Boue and Khana at large, to deliver us from underdevelopment. This is the first and only government project experienced in Kono-Boue community in the past 16 years of governance in Rivers State.
“Your Excellency Sir, we believe that God has at this point turned his attention to Kono-Boue people and today marks the beginning of massive development projects to be sited in Kono-Boue by your administration. This project will serve as a catalyst to the social-economic development of our dear community. We pledge our commitment to own and protect this project and other projects to be sited here by your administration.”
The Kono-Boue Stakeholders’ Forum Vice Chairman stressed on how the project will boost businesses in the area, and appealed to the governor to extend the same kind gesture to the construction of roads in the area, noting that road construction and rural electrification are the two major projects that will bring rapid development to the area.
He said that the construction of Kono-Boue, Gbam Boue, Kereke Boue and Norkwiri Boue roads are begging for immediate attention
“These roads are in deployable conditions and have caused loss of lives and properties to the people. The only bridge that serves as a link to these communities has collapsed which occasioned the devastating flood that occurred in Kono-Boue on 19th July, 2024, leading to the visit of Hon. Commissioner of Environment, Hon Sidney TamBari Gbaranor, to Kono-Boue on 21st July, 2024,” Dr. Deekor recalled.
The Kono-Boue community assured Governor Fubara of their continuous loyalty and support to his administration, while also pledging to support Amb. Yobana to deliver on his promises to Khana people.
Also speaking at the commissioning ceremony, another community leader in the area, Chief Gani Topba, said that the commissioning of the rural electrification in Kono-Boue marks the beginning of more good things to come to the area.
“I am talking as a son of Babbe, we must follow who will ensure our security and well-being and Hon. (Amb.) Marvin Yobana and the Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, will do all that past governments could not do for us,” he assured.
Chief Topba called on the people of Kono-Boue community and the entire people of Khana Local Government Area to give their full support to Governor Fubara and Yobana-led administration in the area.
In his response, the CTC chairman stated that Governor Fubara holds the Khana people very close to his heart, and would always prioritise their welfare and well-being.
Yobana disclosed that the electricity bills for Kono-Boue and UeGwere Boue had been paid, so they need not pay any bill again.
“We have paid the electricity bill, we have cleared the transformer bill and other bills, but after this period when we have finished our tenure, the Power Holding Electricity Distribution (PHED) has told us that they are going to introduce a billing system on the transformer. We assure you that every community that protects the infrastructure put in place in the area, the Council will continue to pay their electricity bills and you don’t have to pay for light,” he said.
Amb. Yobana also assured that the Kono-Boue, Gbam Boue, Kereke Boue and Norkwiri Boue roads mentioned would be attended to, promising to assign the Supervisor of Works to inspect the level of work to be done on the roads.
“We are not here to play politics, but the leadership of His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and my humble self and team members, is for the welfare of the people of Khana LGA and that I will ensure they are fully empowered and emancipated out of hardship.
“This is one of our reasons why we have paid N132 million to the huge number of political appointees on our list,” Yobana added.
The Tide reports that Kono-Boue Community comprises nine (9) wards namely, Kono-Boue, Kereke, Nyokwiri, Gbam, Kee-or, Ilolo, Barikpaana, UeGwere and Bara Boue.
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.
Rivers
Rivers NYCN Wants Sokubo For Second Term
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.
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