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HYPREP Distributes Starter Packs To Trainees

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The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has presented certificates and starter packs to 5,000 beneficiaries of its livelihood programme.
The presentation ceremony, which took place at the A+ Agency in Port Harcourt on Friday, attracted dignitaries from far and near, including the excited beneficiaries drawn from the four local government areas of Khana, Gokana, Tai and Eleme.
The colourful event had a semblance of a carnival, as the visibly elated beneficiaries sang and danced to melodious tunes, to underscore the importance of the day and their appreciation of having been economically equipped and empowered in an uncommon manner by the Federal Government agency.
However, not all the 5,000 trainees received the starter packs, as another batch of beneficiaries are expected to get theirs in due course.
Speaking at the occasion, the Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Prof Neinibarini Zabbey said the event “marks a significant milestone in our collective journey toward empowerment, economic growth and environmental restoration”, stressing that restoring the livelihoods of hydrocarbon-impacted communities and related programmes is integral to the HYPREP mandate.
He noted that HYPREP has created thousands of direct and indirect jobs through its sundry projects like land remediation, shoreline cleanup, mangrove restoration, construction of water schemes, construction of the Buan Cottage Hospital, Ogoni Specialist Hospital, the Ogoni Power Project, and the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration.
According to him, all these projects are structured to enhance the skill capacity of Ogoni youths and women.
The Project Coordinator said the 5,000 Ogoni youths were over the past months trained in 20 skill areas including argon welding and metal fabrication, offshore/onshore skill set, aviation, crane operation, solar panel and CCTV installation, web design and digital marketing, data analytics, catering, fashion design, poultry and fish farming, and industrial firefighting, among others.
He disclosed that the trainees were selected through a transparent lucky-dip process, ensuring they could actively decide on the skills they were most passionate about and willing to undertake.
Zabbey said the distribution of the starter packs to the beneficiaries is a testament to HYPREP’s commitment, and urged them to fully utilise the skills and kits to benefit their families and communities, stressing that the starter packs are not just tools but represent an opportunity to build sustainable livelihoods, uplift their communities and contribute positively to the national economy.
He noted that by embracing this opportunity, the beneficiaries can transform Ogoni into a hub of diverse economic activity, fostering development and collective prosperity, and charged them to see it as such and refrain from selling the items given to them.
“The success of HYPREP’s sustainable livelihood initiatives and the remediation project depends on your ownership and active participation in the project. Let us work together to ensure that the progress we have recorded today is sustained,” he pleaded.
Zabbey further indicated that HYPREP remains steadfast in its commitment to building community confidence and trust in the project, saying, “this event is a testimony to that commitment and we assure you that we will keep our word.”
He said beneficiaries who could not get their starter packs would be informed of the date and location for the collection of theirs, stressing that “at HYPREP, we believe that your success is our success, and we are determined to ensure that no one is left behind, including the undeserved populations.”
The Project Coordinator hinted that HYPREP would be rolling out another training stream in demand-driven skill areas like training in full-stack development, GIS and remote sensing, cyber security, rope access, commercial diving/ underwater welding, mud-logging, mechatronics and agric skill enhancement.
He announced that HYPREP is in the process of establishing the Ogoni Community Peace Award, which would be launched in 2025 as part of its peace building mandate.
This initiative, according to him, is aimed at recognising and rewarding Ogoni communities, community-based organisations and individuals demonstrating exemplary peace building and environmental stewardship across the four Ogoni local government areas.
Zabbey thanked the Minister of Environment and Chairman of the Governing Council of HYPREP, Mallam Balarabe Abbas Lawal for approving the purchase and distribution of the starter packs to the beneficiaries.
He also expressed gratitude to all those contributing to the success of HYPREP including members of the Governing Council, the Board of Trustees of the Ogoni Trust Fund, the Shell Petroleum Development Company and the Joint Venture partners, community leaders, youth and women, the trainers, the civil society, security formations and the media.

By: Donatus Ebi

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Rivers DPOs Receive Awards For Outstanding Performance In Crime Prevention …As Students, Media Group Honour CSP Worgu, CSP Yusuf

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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.

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College Of Bishops Endorses Tinubu, APC Candidates  For 2027 Polls

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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

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Police Arrest Fake Soldier, Others For Armed Robbery, Kidnapping

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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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