Rivers
We See Renewed Vigour In Ogoni Clean-Up—Reps
Members of the House of Representatives Committee on Host Communities, have said that there is renewed vigour on the part of the Federal Government and the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) in the clean-up of Ogoniland in Rivers State.
The committee members, who dropped the hint during an oversight visit to some remediation sites, water and project sites in Ogoniland recently, said the clean-up project is still work in progress.
The Chairman of the committee, Rt Hon Dumnamene Dekor, while addressing newsmen on behalf of the members, said after visiting some of the project sites, they have seen renewed vigour in the delivery of services to the Ogoni people.
According to him, the clean-up project is so far, work in progress.
While stressing that the visit of the project sites by the members was done in exercise of their oversight functions, as provided in the Constitution and the rules of the House, Dekor commended the Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Lawal Abbas and the Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Prof Deinibarini Zabbey and their team for the good work done so far.
He noted that having been around as a former member of the House Committee on Environment; and chairman of the House Committee on Host Communities for the second time, the lawmakers can spot the difference in what was being done in the past and today.
Dekor said the committee would encourage the Federal Government and the HYPREP team , adding, however, that they should not see the committee’s position as a pat on their back, because, according to him, “we have also spotted some gaps, there are some contractors that may have to do some explanations while there are others we have to commend at the end of the exercise.”
The federal lawmaker further indicated that generally, what the committee had seen at the sites visited conformed with what they had expected, saying, “We did not believe that we would get this far.”
The committee chairman said the Ogoni people had long been deprived and had suffered degradation of their environment for a very long time, and called on the Federal Government and HYPREP to do more for the people, saying he was happy that the Project Coordinator had told the committee members that every Ogoni community would be provided potable water.
He expressed delight that young Ogoni people are engaged at the various project sites, and urged them to be shining examples, grow themselves and be more creative, since there is no free lunch anywhere, as Manna no longer falls from heaven.
Dekor also used the opportunity to appeal to the youths to shun cultism, illegal oil bunkering, crime and criminality, and embrace what is happening in Ogoniland.
He equally promised that the committee and the National Assembly would work with HYPREP and the Ogoni Board of Trustees to ensure that the Federal Government, particularly the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited pays its counterpart funds for the clean-up project.
According to him, the International Oil Companies(IOCs), especially the Shell Petroleum Development Company are trying in fulfilling part of their own bargain, assuring the people that the committee would ensure that all those who are yet to pay the counterpart funds do so.
He disclosed that what was being used for the clean-up project are take- off grants, which he said, are almost completely spent.
The Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Prof Deinibarini Zabbey, while also addressing newsmen, said the Project was excited over the visit of the lawmakers to some of its project sites, saying, “We have taken note of their concerns and commendations. They are motivating us to do better.”
He reassured Ogoni stakeholders that HYPREP, under his watch, would give the people of the area the best.
The members of the committee visited the barricaded remediation site in Ogale Community; and Lots 3, 11 and 15 in Eleme Local Government Area; Kpoghor/Gio water scheme in Tai Local Government Area; Ogoni Specialist Hospital; Buan Cottage Hospital; Buan water project; Kwawa remediation site; and Bieere water scheme; among others.
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.