Rivers

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

Published

2 years ago

August 21, 2024

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.

Rivers

2026 Boy Child Day: Association Seeks Intentional Mentoring

Published

2 days ago

May 18, 2026

The Tide

As the world marked the 2026 International Day of the Boy Child last Saturday, the Rivers Secondary Schools Old Boys and Girls 1983 Set Association has called for deliberate investment in raising boys who will become responsible heads of homes.

In a press release signed and issued by the Secretary-General of the Association, Dr. Ibinabo Ogolo, to commemorate the day, the Association said the future stability of Nigerian families depends on how intentionally boys are raised and guided.

Speaking on behalf of the Set, President of the Association, Barrister Tubokomba Mcdonald Harry, she said the theme of this year’s global celebration, “Boys to Men: Adopting Good Habits and Attitudes”, must move beyond slogans to daily practice in homes, schools, and communities.

“For years, advocacy has rightly centered on the girl child. That work must continue. But we cannot ignore the other side”, Barrister Harry stated.

“A boy who grows up without guidance, emotional literacy, and responsibility often becomes a man who struggles to lead, provide, and protect. If we want stable homes in 2040, we must invest in boys now”, he said.

He emphasized that being “head of the home” is about stewardship, not power: “The man who leads a home well is emotionally responsible, financially disciplined, morally upright, and a true partner to his spouse. These qualities are learned from childhood, through what boys see, hear, and practice.”

The Association noted that many boys currently learn manhood by default from peers, social media, and entertainment that equate masculinity with aggression and silence about pain.

To change this, the 1983 Set urged fathers and mentors to be present and active, schools to integrate life skills such as conflict resolution and financial literacy, and communities and faith groups to establish mentorship programmes where older men guide younger ones.

The press release also linked the issue to Africa’s wider goals, noting that the 2026 Day of the African Child focuses on water, sanitation, and hygiene.

“A boy trained to solve real problems becomes a man who ensures dignity for his family and community”, Harry said.

The Association concluded with a call to mothers, fathers, and boys themselves to take ownership of the task of raising responsible future leaders.

International Day of the Boy Child is observed globally on May 16. It is a day that focuses on the well-being, mental health and positive development of boys.

Rivers

Ogoni Landlords Seek Inclusion In Planned Oil Resumption Process

Published

2 days ago

May 18, 2026

The Tide

Flemotongha Miebi/Fortune Wokeh/Akpos David/Esuuk Oyet/Edughom Suotor

Landlords in Ogoni, under the aegis of Gokana,Tai, Eleme, and Khana United Landlords Association (GOTEKA) have called for inclusion in the ongoing negotiation over the planned resumption of oil production in Ogoniland.

The landlords,who made the call during its formal inauguration recently in Port Harcourt, also called for proper compensation, clear legal agreements, and inclusive dialogues in the entire process

Chairman of the Association, Professor George Ema, said any resumption of oil exploration in ogoniland without proper consultation with host communities and land owners will be resisted.

George said, while the association expressed support for the planned return of oil activities in ogoniland under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, key historical issues must be addressed to avoid a repeat of earlier conflicts that led to the suspension of oil operations in the area.

According to GOTEKA, past disagreements between oil companies, political leaders, and host communities caused crises, court cases, and long-term disruption of oil production in Ogoni land, adding that these problems were responsible for the high level of poverty warranted by economic stagnation, social unrest, pipeline vandalism, and many legal battles in the area.

The landlords also referenced the struggles led by late environmental activist, Ken Saro-Wiwa, and the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP), which opposed Shell’s activities in Ogoni land, resulting in years of unrest and court cases.

They stressed that the renewed plan for oil exploration must be guided by proper Memoranda of Understanding (MOU), fair compensation, and the direct involvement of landlords in negotiations to prevent cheating and conflict.

The group also raised concern over what they described as a repeated “divide and rule” approach in handling oil compensation in Ogoni. They said there is a lack of proper MOUs between oil companies and landlords, while compensation often goes to political leaders and traditional rulers instead of the real landowners.

GOTEKA added that land in Ogoni is owned by individuals and families, not the entire community.

According to the group, “under traditional land rules, owners have full rights over their land and can decide how it is used, including selling or leasing it. So, there must be proper agreement spelt out in the MOU, which must be signed by all the parties involved to avoid legal battles.

The group urged government, oil companies, and political leaders to respect traditional land ownership and adopt honest dialogue and peaceful negotiation in resolving issues.

Rivers

Police Warn Rivers Students Against Cultism, Drug Abuse

Published

2 days ago

May 18, 2026

The Tide

The Divisional Crime Officer (DCO) of Rumuodomaya Police Station, CSP Dindara Dadamu, has warned students in Rivers State against involvement in cultism and other criminal activities, stressing that such acts could lead to imprisonment and destruction of their future.

He gave the warning recently during an anti-cultism and drug abuse sensitisation programme organised by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) at Den-Bec Group of Schools in Port Harcourt.

Dadamu stated that the law does not exempt minors from punishment, noting that children from the age of 12 could still be prosecuted for criminal offences.

According to him, many young people are lured into cultism through peer pressure and bad company. He urged the students to be mindful of the friends they associate with.

The DCO stressed that ignorance of the law would not protect anyone from facing the consequences of unlawful conduct.

Also speaking, a representative of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mr. Ejiofor Ifeanyi, described cultism and drug abuse as destructive habits capable of ruining academic ambitions and promising careers.

He advised the students to avoid negative influences and remain focused on their education and personal development.

A mental health expert, Mr. Victor Akeni, noted that cultism and illicit drug use contribute significantly to emotional instability, fear and poor academic performance among youths.

He explained that cult members often live under constant fear of attacks and reprisals, making it difficult for them to concentrate on their studies or live peacefully.

The sensitisation programme brought together security agencies, mental health professionals, teachers and students as part of efforts to discourage social vices among young people.

The Managing Director of NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, who spoke through a representative, Mrs. Anna West, encouraged the students to take advantage of opportunities provided through education and technology rather than engaging in unlawful activities.

Ogbuku also warned that cultism and drug abuse could result in imprisonment, violence and untimely death, and urged the students to embrace discipline, hard work and positive values.

By: King Onunwor