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Fubara Seeks Collaboration To Surmount Challenges Of Environmental Degradation In Ijaw Land
The Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara says it has become imperative to adopt approaches that emphasise both environmental regeneration and economic sustainability in the face of escalating environmental challenges confronting Ijaw land.
Governor Fubara underscored this importance while delivering a keynote address at the Pre-Summit Conference of the First Pan-Ijaw Economic Summit 2024 in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, last Thursday.
He maintained that the theme: ‘Environmental Regeneration and Economic Sustainability,’ resonates with the collective aspirations of Ijaw ethnic nationality’s desire for economic progress and right to live in a decent physical environment.
Governor Fubara, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Tammy Danagogo, emphasized that the challenges posed by environmental degradation synonymous with the Ijaw nation is also deeply linked to the agitations and conscientious demands for economic and environmental justice.
He regretted that Ijaw people continue to suffer the harm often associated with oil production, which continues to devastate the environment and impoverish the people.
He said: “We have often felt the harmful effects of oil production. Oil spills from pipelines are destroying farmlands and crops as well as damaging marine life. Gas flaring is filling the atmosphere with substances that cause soot, a phenomenon that has manifested in many parts of the region. Acid rain is not uncommon. The land is contaminated. The water is contaminated. The air is polluted. And that is the environment in which we live.
“We all acknowledge the importance of sustainable economic progress for a people or society. We all need human security, including access to quality education, food, shelter, healthcare and social security. We need the things that facilitate our well-being. We need the institutions to educate, train and prepare our young people for the challenges of the global marketplace.
“We need roads and common infrastructure to enhance commercial interaction, We need electricity, which has become an essential and indispensable feature of modern life. We need everything that makes way for the good life. But the progress and well-being that we seek cannot be achieved in the face of a degraded and spoiled environment.”
The Governor therefore enjoined stakeholders to collaborate and rebirth ideas and measures to achieve environmental renewal and economic prosperity.
According to him, “We need to work towards the goal. But it is a job that no person can do alone. Our society, our governments, and the oil producing companies have to evolve appropriate environmental standards and uphold those standards. Everyone has to take responsibility for the environment.
“While we see the environment as our heritage, we should keep in mind that it is also the heritage for our children and many generations to come.
“It is a little over one year since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu created a Federal Ministry to pursue the riches in the Marine and Blue Economy. This is a fresh opportunity for Ijaws to return to their roots and rediscover and launch themselves into a new economic era with almost limitless opportunities, because just as the oceans are vast, so is the immense wealth and prosperity to be gained there from.
“We also need targeted investments in infrastructure, human capital development. facilities, and lots to grow our economies and create wealth and prosperity across Ijaw land. In this wise, I very much appreciate and applaud the massive infrastructural achievements of Governor Douye Diri in Bayelsa State as this is the way to the pan-Ijaw promise of a better future for all Ijaws.”
Governor Fubara further maintained that peace is paramount to attain the lofty socio-economic development of the region, saying “I wish to emphasize that not much can be achieved without peace and security. Ijaw land must, therefore, cease to be a hotbed of violence and insecurity. We must ramp up protection of existing infrastructure and facilities and not give excuses to those who have sunk in their capital to divest. We must uproot from among us the criminal elements who are vandalizing crude oil pipelines and contributing directly to the death of our environment.”
He narrated that his administration has ensured a multi-strategy approach to curb environmental degradation and enhance economic boost through environmental friendly polices, infrastructural development and revival of the local economy.
“In Rivers State, our government has shown understanding of the environmental challenges we face and we have adopted policies to tackle the problem. We are working on establishing a waste-to-energy plant to address the challenges of solid waste management, clean energy, carbon emissions, and climate change.
“Additionally, we have signed a memorandum of understanding with two foreign firms on the preservation of our vast mangrove forests. We are also supporting the security agencies, including the joint task force on oil theft and the Nigerian Civil Defense Corpse to fight illegal oil bunkering and pipeline vandalization as part of efforts to protect the nation’s economic assets as well as prevent the continuous degradation of our environment.
“While we work towards environmental renewal, we are also frontally addressing the challenges of infrastructural development and the building of institutions to improve human capital among our people. We are presently constructing the 50 km dual carriage Port Harcourt Ring Road with six flyovers, traversing six local government areas of the State. When completed, this 200-billion-naira project will accelerate the economic transformation of the State.
“Also worthy of mention are the dualization of Elele-Omoku road, which interconnects three local government areas, and the long awaited Trans-Kalabari road, with a combined contract value of over N300 billion. Conceived, awarded and abandoned decades ago, the Trans-Kalabari road is aimed at linking most of the riverine communities in the Kalabari kingdom to the state capital to accelerate their socio-economic integration and development,” he stressed.
Governor Fubara noted that affordable healthcare delivery is another area his administration is giving priority attention.
Said he: “Apart from implementing the contributory healthcare scheme for the first time in the State, we have expanded and completing the zonal hospitals at Degema, Khana, and Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Areas of the State. We are also building an ultra-modern neuropsychiatric hospital.
“To stimulate economic growth in the State, we floated a N4 billion matching fund with the Bank of Industry to support micro, small, and medium enterprise at 5% interest rate. So far, over 1300 entrepreneurs have accessed this loan while many more are in the process.”
He further disclosed that agricultural development has been adopted to enhance food security, job creation and enhance well-being of Rivers people in the 2025 budget as well as investing every effort to keep Rivers State peaceful, safe, and secure for everyone to come in and settle.
He thanked the Azaiki Foundation and Ijaw National Congress for organizing the pre-summit.
The Chief Special Guest of Honour and former President of Nigeria, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, represented by Ambassador Godknows Igali, acknowledged that the future of Nigeria depends on every region exploring the resources available to them to create better opportunity for the citizens. He added that such efforts must be based on ideas and approaches for options that are sustainable.
According to him, “Whatever economic strategies, whatever plans to make life easier for our people must be such that looks at the next generation. Our efforts must be that, planning is not just for ourselves but for the next generation. We should look beyond oil. Gas is energy of the future and we must appreciate that.”
The President of Ijaw National Congress (INC) and Co-Convener of the Pre-Summit, Professor Benjamin Okaba, stressed that the era of lamentation for the Ijaw nation was over as now is the time to look inwards, ventilate ideas and move the nation forward.
He urged all to take the summit seriously to incubate ideas to rescue the Ijaw nation as he thanked the Principal Convener, Professor Steve Azaiki for sustaining the dream of the summit.
The Summit had in attendance the former Governor of the Old Rivers State, King Alfred Diette-Spiff; former Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Gboribiogha Jonah; former Military Administrator of Bayelsa State, Navy Capt. Caleb Olubolade (Rtd); traditional rulers, captains of industries, leaders of the Ijaw nation, among others.
News
Rivers DPOs Receive Awards For Outstanding Performance In Crime Prevention …As Students, Media Group Honour CSP Worgu, CSP Yusuf
Two Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) in Rivers State have been honoured by separate groups for their contributions to security, crime prevention and improved community-police relations in their respective areas of responsibility.
The beneficiaries are the DPO of Afam Police Division, CSP Endurance Worgu and his counterpart at Oyigbo Police Division, CSP Bello Yusuf.
CSP Worgu was honoured by a group of students under the aegis of Rivers State Graduate Students Associations for what they described as his commitment and outstanding performance in the discharge of his duties.
The students, led by Chidi John Enyie, Esq. said CSP Worgu was selected based on his track record and status as one of the longest-serving young DPOs of Rivers State origin.
According to the group, CSP Worgu has made significant contributions to the protection of lives and property in the area since assuming office following the #EndSARS period.
The students said they were particularly impressed by the improvement in community-police relations under his leadership, noting that professionalism had remained a key feature of his service.
Enyie represented by Comrade Briggs Soku, said the students community was pleased to identify with a Rivers indigene who had distinguished himself in the police force.
He said the students considered it necessary to encourage and celebrate CSP Worgu because of his achievements as a young Rivers man excelling in a profession that many people from the state were often reluctant to join.
Receiving the award at his office in Afam, CSP Worgu expressed gratitude to God and the students for finding him worthy of the honour.
The DPO said the recognition had boosted his morale and encouraged him to sustain his efforts towards maintaining peace and security in the area.
He said he least expected the honour, particularly because it came from the students, adding that the recognition would further motivate him to serve the people better.
CSP Worgu assured residents of Afam that the police would sustain the existing peace in the area.
He appealed to members of the public to support the police by providing credible and timely information, stressing that useful information from residents would make the job of security personnel easier.
Meanwhile, the Ikwerre/Etche Media Association has also honoured the DPO of Oyigbo Police Division, CSP Bello Yusuf, for his efforts in tackling criminal activities in the area.
The media group presented the award following the swift tracking and arrest of five suspected kidnappers who had allegedly terrorised residents of the Kom-Kom axis and other parts of Oyigbo.
The group commended CSP Bello for what it described as his determined efforts to restore confidence and security in the affected communities, particularly Kom-Kom and Obeama.
According to the group, the arrest of the suspects demonstrated the DPO’s commitment to tackling criminality and safeguarding residents.
The media association said residents had received the development with relief, noting that the police action had sent a strong message to criminal elements operating in the area.
Responding, CSP Yusuf appreciated the group for the recognition and reaffirmed that there would be no room for criminality in Oyigbo.
He also commended the media for its role in disseminating credible information to the public, saying the media had remained supportive of the police in the fight against crime.
CSP Yusuf warned criminal elements operating in Oyigbo to leave the area or be prepared to face the full weight of the law.
He assured residents that the police would continue to pursue criminals and work to dismantle their hideouts, regardless of where they might be operating.
News
College Of Bishops Endorses Tinubu, APC Candidates For 2027 Polls
The 5000 Achievers Christian Forum and Colleges of Bishops, Archbishops and Apostles, a Christian interdenominational organisation, has endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State for the 2027 general elections.
International President of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, disclosed this during the ordination and consecration of three new Bishops, as well as an award ceremony held in Port Harcourt.
Aroh said the performance of the APC-led Federal Government had endeared the party to the organisation, prompting the forum to declare its support for President Tinubu and other APC candidates in Rivers State.
He said the forum would support all APC candidates in the state during the 2027 elections and urged Nigerians to vote for the party.
Aroh, who is also the General Overseer of Caring Peoples Church, Port Harcourt, charged the newly consecrated Bishops to see their new positions as a great responsibility and dedicate themselves to the advancement of the kingdom of God.
He cautioned them against conduct capable of bringing their offices into disrepute, stressing that their activities would be closely watched by members of the public.
“As Bishops, the eyes of the public are on your activities. You must therefore conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of your calling,” he said.
Also speaking, the International Coordinator of the forum, Bishop Saint Robinson, urged the newly consecrated Bishops to work diligently towards winning souls for the kingdom of God.
Robinson, who was the guest speaker at the event, stressed that the activities of Bishops must at all times be guided by godly principles.
He also called on members of the church to support and cooperate with the newly consecrated Bishops in the discharge of their responsibilities.
The Secretary of the College, Apostle Elizabeth Ayadi Abaye, said the organisation was established to advance the kingdom of God and promote spiritual development.
According to her, the forum has organised several crusades, conferences, prayer meetings, ordinations, consecrations, enthronements, empowerment programmes and other spiritual development activities across the country as part of efforts to win souls for Christ.
Abaye said the organisation has members across the world and disclosed that more programmes had been scheduled to promote the spiritual development and wellbeing of humanity.
The three Bishops consecrated at the ceremony were Prince Alban Chike, Testimony Omenihu Shedrach and Prince Ifemena.
Among those honoured at the event were the Chairman of the Community Development Committee (CDC), Abali Community, Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, Manuchimso Prince Lemmy Wopara, and Clifford Oko Jaja, Coordinator of the 5,000 House-to-House for President Tinubu.
By: John Bibor
News
Police Arrest Fake Soldier, Others For Armed Robbery, Kidnapping
The Rivers State Police Command has arrested a 49-year-old suspected fake soldier, Andrew Atausi, and several other suspects in connection with various criminal activities, including kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, one-chance robbery and the alleged murder of police officers.
The State Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, disclosed this in Port Harcourt, recently during a press briefing at the Command Headquarters, where he said the arrests formed part of the operational achievements recorded by the Command between June and August 2026.
Adepoju said Atausi was arrested on August 10 by police operatives along Ada George, Port Harcourt, while dressed in military uniform and driving a Toyota Hilux painted in Army colours.
The Commissioner said investigation revealed that Atausi was not a member of the Armed Forces, adding that he was suspected to be a serial car snatcher, with three suspected stolen vehicles recovered from him.
He said the recovered vehicles included three Toyota Hilux vehicles without registration numbers and a Toyota Corona Premio with registration number BNY 380 ES, noting that the chassis and engine numbers of the vehicles had allegedly been tampered with.
Adepoju added that an axe and military accoutrements were also recovered from Atausi, as investigation continued into the circumstances surrounding the vehicles and other items recovered from him.
On the June 29 attack on police officers at Aluu Division, the Commissioner said three members of the gang allegedly responsible for the incident had been arrested by operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit, VCRU-AKU.
The suspects, identified as Maduabuchi Emeka, 34, alleged gang leader; Doctor Chinedu Owhor, 42, and Kamachi Joe, 28, alleged armourer, reportedly led operatives to their hideout at Omagwa where two AK-47 rifles stolen during the attack were recovered.
Adepoju recalled that two police officers were killed during the Aluu attack, while others were wounded and one officer had his leg amputated, stressing that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fourth suspect.
On kidnapping, the Commissioner said five members of a suspected kidnapping syndicate were arrested in Oyigbo Local Government Area, adding that they allegedly confessed to operations in Kom-Kom, Railway, Obeama and Afam communities.
He said two other suspects from the same network, Anele Ogbogu, 35, alleged to be the gang’s armourer, and Kenneth Eke, 38, were arrested on July 27, with one AK-47 rifle and one SMG rifle recovered.
The Commissioner further disclosed the arrest of suspects in connection with alleged firearm offences, armed robbery, cultism and one-chance robbery, with firearms, ammunition and other exhibits recovered during the operations.
Adepoju assured residents that the Command would sustain intelligence-led, proactive and community-oriented policing in collaboration with other security agencies, while urging members of the public to continue providing credible information that would assist the police in combating crime across Rivers State.
By; King Onunwor
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