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 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.
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
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.
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