Rivers

Asarama Community Inaugurates Executive Council

Published

1 year ago

September 4, 2024

In line with the Rivers State Traditional Rulers Act of 2015, the chiefs of Asarama main town in Asarama District of Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State have inaugurated the first executive of Asarama Town Council of Chiefs( ATCC) to pilot the affairs of the community for three years.
The inauguration took place at Asarama community town hall last Friday after an election conducted by the High Chief Maceoses E M I Jiawaireakong-led election committee.
Announcing the winners of the election, High Chief Jiawaireakong declared High Chief Egbak B S Enene as Chairman of the Chiefs council; High Chief Epelle E. D .Asuk-Okpong, Secretary General; and Chief Esoyork O. U. Esoyork, Vice Chairman.
Others include High Chief Luke A. A. Edam, Treasurer; and Chief John Z. Egongh, Assistant Secretary.
The executive of the Asarama Town Council was inaugurated and presented to the leadership of Asarama Divisional Council of Traditional Rulers led by King Daniel O. Ibani as Chairman and member of the Andoni Area Traditional Rulers Council for confirmation.
Speaking after the inauguration, the Chairman of Asarama Town Council of Chiefs, High Chief Egbak B S Enene thanked all the chiefs in the community for finding him worthy to lead the council of chiefs in the area.
Enene promised that his administration would put smiles on the faces of the chiefs and traditional rulers in Asarama Community and its environs as well as bring speedy development to the area.
The new council of chiefs chairman used the opportunity to state that his administration would not tolerate any activity that will cause crisis and instability in Asarama community.
He promised to create an enabling environment that would create opportunities for both the young and old to live harmoniously and for businesses to thrive and flourish in the area.
Confirming the new inaugurated Council of Chiefs of Asarama main town, the Chairman of Asarama Divisional Council of Traditional Rulers, King Daniel O. Ibani (vi) commended the chiefs of Asarama main land for their successful election and inauguration.
King Ibani assured the Town Council of Chiefs of his readiness in bringing development and as well as maintaining unity of purpose in the Kingdom.
Ibani, the Paramount Ruler of Iwoma Community in Asarama District debunked media reports and insinuations in some quarters that there are two Divisional Councils of Chiefs in Asarama District, saying that there is only one legitimate Asarama Divisional Council of Traditional Rulers headed by him, King Ibani and recognised by the Andoni Area Traditional Rulers Council led by King Aaron Ikuru, a first class traditional ruler who is a member of the Rivers State Council Traditional Rulers.
He said his second term as Chairman of Asarama Traditional Rulers Council was inaugurated since June 23, 2024, after the expiration of his first tenure on May 28, 2024.
He said the announcement of a purported executive council by one Chief Otugot M.A. Awoh, who disguised and arrogated to himself as His Royal Highness (HRH) was an after thought by a group of disgruntled persons who have vowed, with their mischievous intentions to cause crisis and instability in Asarama Kingdom
King Ibani called on the Rivers State Government,theAndoni Local Government Council and security agencies to nip in the bud the looming crisis and antics of the Chief Awoh-led group to further introduce rancour and unrest in Asarama Kingdom via the instrumentality of chieftaincy wrangling to cause mayhem.
Ibani also called on the leadership of various communities in Andoni Local Government and its environs to call their youths to order in order not to be used by this faceless group headed by Chief Awoh to cause restiveness in the area.

Rivers

Group Seeks Police Support to Tackle GBV

Published

2 days ago

February 16, 2026

The Tide

The Rivers State Multi-Stakeholder Action Committee on the Prevention of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), a non-profit organization dedicated to combating gender-based violence in the State, recently paid a courtesy visit to the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, to seek his support and partnership for a planned sensitization programme for Police GBV Desk Officers.

The delegation was led by the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Lauretta Davies Dimpka, alongside the Committee’s Coordinator, Barr. Evelyn Membere Asimiea.

Speaking during the meeting, the Coordinator explained that the committee comprises various stakeholders, including FIDA, the media, security agencies, and traditional and religious institutions.

She noted that the initiative is funded by ActionAid Nigeria with support from the Ford Foundation, with the goal of strengthening efforts to eliminate gender-based violence in Rivers State.

“We have carried out several engagements, including community advocacy programmes and the training of female cultural influencers, among other activities,” she said.

In his response, the Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, pledged his full support for the initiative and assured the committee of the Police Command’s readiness to collaborate in strengthening GBV response mechanisms across the state.

Members of the delegation also included heads of sub-committees within the group: Barr. Ere Boma (Advocacy); Dr. Mary Obisike (Response); Martha Igbiks ( Information and Awareness); and Brown Musa Afonyagha (Religious/Traditional).

Observers described the engagement as a significant step toward enhancing coordination and improving the response to gender-based violence in Rivers State.

Rivers

Youth Body Condemns Killing Of Member … Demands Immediate Suspension Of Bike Operation

Published

2 days ago

February 16, 2026

The Tide

Youths from Igwuruta Community in Rivers State have condemned the killing of the Secretary of Omuolu-Omunwei Community in Igwuruta, Mr. Nchelem Samuel Festus, describing the incident as tragic and unacceptable.

In a communiqué issued on February 12, 2026, the youth body said Mr. Festus was allegedly murdered on Tuesday February 10, 2026, by commercial motorcycle operators identified as “Aboki bike riders” within the community.

The group expressed sadness and outrage over the development, stating that the killing has heightened tension in the area and disrupted the peace for which Igwuruta has long been known.

According to the communiqué, the incident is part of what the community described as a growing wave of criminal activities, including rape, kidnapping and other violent crimes allegedly perpetrated by the same group.

The youth body said Igwuruta has historically maintained a reputation as a peaceful and hospitable community where residents and visitors carry out their daily activities without fear.

It, however, noted that recent events and what it termed as “escalating violence” have created fear among residents and necessitated urgent intervention.

The communiqué called for the immediate suspension of all motorcycle operations by the group within Igwuruta.

It also demanded the closure of scrap-dump sites in the community allegedly operated by the said individuals.

Furthermore, the youth body urged security agencies to ensure the arrest and prosecution of those involved in the killing of Mr. Festus and perpetrators of other alleged crimes in the area.

It also called on cattle herders to vacate farmlands in Igwuruta and urged herdsmen to stay away from bushes within the community with immediate effect.

While pledging to uphold the rule of law and refrain from self-help, the youth body gave security agencies a 48-hour ultimatum to act on some of its demands, particularly the suspension of motorcycle operations and closure of scrap sites.

The communiqué appealed to security agencies, local government authorities and other stakeholders to treat the matter with urgency and collaborate with the community to restore peace and ensure justice.

As at the time of filing this report, the Police has not issued any official statement about the incident.

By: King Onunwor

Rivers

NDDC, REA Seal Pact On Sustainable Electricity Expansion In N’Delta

Published

2 days ago

February 16, 2026

The Tide

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to expand access to reliable and sustainable electricity across the Niger Delta region.

The agreement, signed at the headquarters of the REA in Abuja, is intended to strengthen institutional collaboration in accelerating development in underserved communities in the region.

A statement by the Director, Corporate Affairs of the NDDC, Seledi Thompson-Wakama, said the pact underscores renewed efforts by the two federal interventionist agencies to deepen cooperation and fast-track infrastructure delivery.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Managing Director of the NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, described the MoU as a strategic step towards realising the Commission’s vision to “light up the Niger Delta” in line with national priorities on distributed energy expansion.

Ogbuku said “the agreement represents a shared institutional responsibility to deliver reliable energy solutions that will enhance livelihoods, stimulate local economies and create broader opportunities across the nine Niger Delta states.”

According to him, electricity remains a critical enabler of national development, support for job creation, healthcare delivery, education and inclusive economic growth.

He noted that the collaboration would help unlock the economic potential of rural communities while advancing broader national development objectives.

The NDDC boss added that the Commission has consistently adopted partnership-driven approaches in executing projects in the region and is prepared to support the implementation of the MoU by leveraging its community presence and infrastructure development capacity.

He reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to working closely with the REA to ensure the timely and effective execution of the agreement.

The NDDC delegation at the event included the Executive Director, Projects, Dr Victor Antai; Executive Director, Corporate Services, Otunba Ifedayo Abegunde; Director, Legal Services, Mr. Victor Arenyeka; Director, Finance and Supply, Mrs. Kunemofa Asu; and Director, Liaison Office, Abuja, Mrs. Mary Nwaeke.

In his remarks, the Managing Director of the REA, Dr. Abba Abubakar Aliyu, described the MoU as a natural collaboration between two agencies with complementary mandates, reflecting a shared commitment to expanding access to sustainable electricity in rural communities.

“The Niger Delta remains central to Nigeria’s economic fortunes and must be supported by infrastructure capable of driving productivity, enterprise and improved living standards”, Aliyu said.

He adding that the partnership signals readiness to deliver stable power to communities that have long awaited reliable electricity supply.