Rivers
Group Berates NLNG, PH Refinery over Marginalization Of Wakrike
Wakrike National Congress (WNC), a socio-cultural organization of the Okrika people, in Rivers State, has berated the managements of the Nigerian liquified Natural Gas (NLNG) and the Port Harcourt Refinery over alleged continuous marginalization of the Okrika people.
President of the body, Engr. Davies Solomon, said this in his address at the one year anniversary of the organization in Port Harcourt.
Solomon, whose address was read by Emmanuel Kaldick Jamabo, said despite being a major stakeholder in the NLNG and Port Harcourt Refinery projects, the Okrika has nothing to show for it, adding that NLNG and Port Harcourt Refinery have not deemed it necessary to provide social amenities in Okrika communities.
He particularly called on the two companies to ensure constant power supply to Okrika as is done in Bonny, while youths from the area should be given employment in the two companies.
The WNC President also called for the change in the name of the Port Harcourt Refinery to Okrika/Eleme Refinery, and that of Onne Port to Onne/Ikpokiri Port.
He further called for the siting of a higher institution in Okrika, establishment of a development bank for the Okrikans, establishment of Radio and Television stations in Okrika, and the Wakrike chamber of commerce.
Other demands include the Wakrike industrial park and the Wakrike historical society.
Solomon said time has come for the people to prepare themselves for the age of Artificial intelligence and for them to invest massively in the agricultural sector.
He also stressed the need for the people to extend their hands of fellowship to their neighbours in order to ensure peaceful coexistence with their neighbours.
Earlier, the Amanyanabo of Obumuton Chiri Kingdom in Port Harcourt Local Government Area, HRM King Darick Achesomie, had called for unity among Okrikans, noting that Okrika can only achieve its heart’s desires when the people are united and speak with one voice.
Urging Okrikans to use the celebration to foster unity and understanding among themselves, irrespective of differences, he said, “As we engage in discussions today, let us remember the responsibility we hold for future generations. Our decisions today will shape the world they inherit.
“We must work hand-in-hand, irrespective of our differences, to foster understanding and collaboration among our communities.
“Together we can harness our collective wisdom to propel our society forward”.
He said the congress offers the opportunity to ignite ideas, provide solutions and reinforce the commitment to progress.
“The congress is not merely a platform for dialogue, it is an opportunity to ignite ideas, provide solutions and reinforce our commitment to progress.
“I encourage each of you to share your insights openly and fearlessly. Let us embrace innovation while remaining grounded in our traditions”, he said.
King Achesomie also stressed the need for the people to advocate for quality education, quality health care and economic empowerment through the support of local businesses.
“Also, give attention to the protection of the environment by encouraging waste reduction and protect natural resources for future generations”, he urged.
John Bibor, Michael Abraham
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The Rivers State Police Command has foiled what appeared to be a criminal operation and recovered an illegal firearm ingeniously concealed inside a loaf of bread during a routine security operation in Port Harcourt.
This was contained in a statement by the Public Relations Officer, Rivers State Police Command, Blessing Agabe in Port Harcourt.
According to the statement, the operation formed part of intensified crime prevention measures directed by the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, aimed at strengthening internal security and curbing criminal activities across the state.
The Command disclosed that the breakthrough occurred along Azikiwe Road by Red Cross Junction, Port Harcourt, when operatives on routine stop-and-search duty intercepted a vehicle and carried out a detailed screening of passengers and their belongings.
During the search, officers reportedly discovered a Browning pistol carefully hidden inside a loaf of bread allegedly belonging to one Braya Nanas, identified as a male resident of New Road, Borikiri, Port Harcourt, who was travelling in the vehicle.
Police said the unusual concealment method immediately raised suspicion, leading to the suspect’s arrest and further investigation into the circumstances surrounding the possession of the firearm.
Preliminary findings, according to the Command, revealed that the recovered pistol had no visible serial number, creating concerns over its source and possible intended use.
Investigators further quoted the suspect as allegedly admitting ownership of the weapon and stating that he purchased it in Okrika at the rate of N800,000.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, warned that criminal elements continue to adopt increasingly deceptive methods to evade security checks and law enforcement surveillance.
He urged residents of Rivers State to remain alert and security conscious, stressing that the discovery of a firearm hidden inside an everyday food item underscores the need for heightened public vigilance.
The Police Commissioner also cautioned members of the public against accepting, transporting or keeping items whose contents are unknown, noting that such actions could unknowingly aid criminal activities.
The Command, therefore, called on residents to sustain collaboration with security agencies through timely and credible information sharing, insisting that effective policing remains dependent on active community participation and collective responsibility in building a safer Rivers State.
King Onunwor
As part of efforts to enhance his administration’s commitment to economic empowerment, job creation, and sustainable development across the Local Government Area (LGA), the Chairman of Okrika LGA, Hon. Akuro Alfred Tobin, has officially flagged off the second phase of the Tobin Akuro Prosperity Pathway (TAPP) Programme.
The flag-off ceremony, held at the Conference Hall of the LGA’s Council Secretariat, marked another milestone in the council’s drive to improve the socio-economic wellbeing of residents through targeted empowerment initiatives.
The event attracted key government officials and stakeholders, including the Secretary to Okrika Local Government Council, Hon. Oforiokuma Kwani; the Special Adviser on Empowerment, Hon. Adokiye Ogbogara; members of the Empowerment Committee; and other council officials.
In a symbolic presentation during the ceremony, the Empowerment Committee, led by its Chairman, Hon. Kingsley Ibanichuka, presented a specially designed photo frame and a commemorative photo book showcasing the achievements and impact of the first phase of the programme.
The committee also unveiled and presented the official branded polo shirt and fez cap for Phase II of the empowerment initiative to the Chairman.
Speaking during the event, the Chairman commended members of the Empowerment Committee for their dedication, transparency, and commitment in implementing the programme.
He noted that the success recorded in the first phase had encouraged the administration to expand the initiative in order to reach more residents and create greater economic opportunities.
According to the council boss, the Tobin Akuro Prosperity Pathway Programme was conceived as a strategic intervention aimed at reducing poverty, stimulating local enterprise, and equipping youths and entrepreneurs with the resources and skills needed to become self-reliant and productive members of society.
He disclosed that under Phase II of the programme, about 400 business owners and traders across Okrika would receive cash grants to strengthen and expand their businesses.
The intervention, he said, is expected to boost small-scale enterprises, enhance household incomes, and stimulate economic activities within the local economy.
Tobin further revealed that hundreds of youths would benefit from sponsored vocational and technical skills acquisition programmes in various fields, including scaffolding, fashion designing, welding, makeup and gele artistry, Total Glam, and several other vocational trades considered relevant in today’s economy.
The Chairman emphasized that the initiative goes beyond financial support, stressing that the programme is designed to build human capacity, encourage entrepreneurship, and create a pathway for sustainable wealth creation among beneficiaries.
“Our vision is to empower our people with the tools, knowledge, and opportunities they need to succeed. We believe that when individuals are economically empowered, families become stronger, communities become more prosperous, and development becomes sustainable”, he stated.
He urged prospective beneficiaries to make the most of the opportunity by applying themselves diligently to the skills training and utilizing the grants responsibly to achieve long-term economic growth.
Tobin also reassured residents that his administration would continue to implement people-oriented policies and programmes aimed at improving living standards and expanding opportunities for all segments of society.
Observers at the event described the TAPP initiative as one of the most impactful empowerment programmes undertaken by the present administration, citing its focus on entrepreneurship development, youth engagement, and poverty reduction.
Meanwhile, the main empowerment event has been scheduled for Wednesday, July 8, 2026, during which beneficiaries are expected to receive cash grants and vocational training support packages.
Since its inception, the TAPP has emerged as the flagship empowerment programme of the Okrika Local Government administration, touching lives across communities and reinforcing the council’s commitment to inclusive growth, economic prosperity, and the overall welfare of the people of Okrika.
The commencement of Phase II is expected to further consolidate the gains of the programme, while opening new opportunities for hundreds of residents seeking economic advancement and self-sufficiency.
Michael T. Abraham
The Rivers State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Hon. Amairigha Hart, has said the Ministry has intensified efforts to improve the safety of buildings through stronger collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Federal Housing Authority (FHA).
Amairigha, who said this at a strategic inter-agency meeting held in Port Harcourt, weekend, disclosed that the collaboration is aimed at establishing a unified operational framework to prevent overlaps and ensure coordinated action among agencies involved in the built environment.
Stressing the importance of collaboration in preventing structural failures and building collapses, the Commissioner said the regulatory and emergency response agencies must work together to ensure strict compliance with approved building standards and due process at every stage of construction.
He commended the prompt response of the Federal Housing Authority and NEMA to the recent building collapse along Peter Odili Road, describing their swift mobilisation as crucial to ongoing rescue efforts.
Providing an update on the incident, Hart disclosed that search, rescue and evacuation operations were still in progress.
He added that technical teams were carrying out a controlled demolition of the remaining lift shaft and stair core to prevent a secondary collapse and safeguard rescue personnel as well as neighbouring properties.
The Commissioner further emphasised that collaboration among agencies should go beyond emergency situations, noting that proactive monitoring and enforcement are essential to preventing future construction-related disasters.
The meeting ended with participants harmonising operational information and agreeing on measures to strengthen supervision, compliance monitoring and joint inspections of ongoing and future construction projects across Rivers State.
The resolution is expected to enhance coordination among state and federal agencies and promote safer building practices in the state.
King Onunwor
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