Rivers
LG Boss Lauds Military’s Sacrifice For Nigeria … Hails Fubara’s Efforts In Tackling Insecurity
Chairman of Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area (LGA) in Rivers State, Rt. Hon. Enyiada Cookey-Gam, has praised the military in Nigeria for their courage and sacrifice in defense of the country.
The Chairman, who gave the praise, Wednesday, during events commemorating the 2025 Armed Forces Day in the LGA, said “They perform their duties in the most dangerous conditions, risking everything for Nigerians both at home and abroad. Many return with shattered hopes, some with life-altering injuries, and some never return”.
He also extended his respect to veterans and the Nigerian Legion for their unwavering support to soldiers and their fellow veterans.
Reflecting on the ongoing fight against terror and banditry, Dr. Cookey-Gam noted the progress made and called for continued federal and state support to the armed forces to bolster their capabilities.
Cookey-Gam also commended the State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, for what he christened his “steadfast commitment to addressing economic and security challenges in the state”.
He pledged his administration’s support to the armed forces towards ensuring peace and safety in the LGA and the nation.
Highlight of the event, which took place at the Government Field, Pembe, Opobo Town, was the Chairman’s inspection of the guard of honour and laying a wreath at the tomb of the unknown soldier, a poignant tribute to the fallen heroes who gave their lives in service.
In his address, the Chairman of the Nigerian Legion Opobo/Nkoro Chapter, Rtd. Captain Iyowuna Andrew Jaja, urged Nigerians to honour the sacrifices of fallen heroes and support their families, especially in tough economic times.
He appealed to government agencies and private organizations to prioritize the welfare of veterans and their dependents.
The ceremony was graced by prominent dignitaries, including the Secretary of council, Hon. Mrs. Ukamaka Diri; Leader of the Legislative Assembly, Rt. Hon. Senibo Samuel Nengia; and the Amayanabo Of Opobo Kingdom, HRM King Dandeson Douglas Jaja, who was represented by Alabo Godwin Bupo.
Theresa Frederick & Charity Amiso
Continue Reading
An expert in Natural Resource Governance, Dr. Mike Uzoigwe, has called for the full implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) for the development of oil communities in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria.
Uzoigwe made the appeal during a training for community representatives under the Host Community Development Trust (HCDT), held in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
He noted that five years after the PIA was enacted, funding under the HCDT framework for member communities had yet to be fully implemented.
He attributed the slow pace of implementation to oil companies’ failure to remit funds, ongoing litigations, internal community disputes, and regulatory challenges, among other factors.
According to him, these challenges have made it difficult to properly assess the effectiveness of HCDT implementation in host communities.
Uzoigwe also expressed concern that several communities were yet to establish HCDTs, which are essential for accessing funds designated for local development.
“Fortunately, there are communities that have successfully leveraged the HCDT to advance development in their localities.
“However, we want every host community to access these funds to accelerate development in their respective areas and contribute to the broader transformation of the Niger Delta”, he stated.
Uzoigwe urged host communities to familiarise themselves with the provisions and regulations of the PIA to enable them to fully benefit from the Act.
Also speaking, the Executive Director of Kebetkache Development and Resource Centre, Dr. Emem Okon, explained that the training was organised for HCDT communities in Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, Imo, and Rivers States.
According to her, the objective of the training was to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand the PIA’s provisions, conduct needs assessments and undertake community development planning.
“We examined how the HCDT can be made effective and efficient in utilising the three per cent operational cost allocation for community development projects, as stipulated in the PIA.
“This allocation is structured as follows: 75 per cent for project execution, 20 per cent for savings, and five per cent for administrative costs.
“HCDT members are responsible for identifying and prioritising community needs through a transparent, sincere, and people-centred decision-making process in managing these funds”, Okon explained.
She encouraged host communities to engage actively with various stakeholders, including women, youth, farmers, and community leaders, to identify development projects that reflect the genuine needs of their communities.
The Sole Administrator of Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area of Rivers State, Mr. Frederick Apiafi, says he will run an all-inclusive government for the betterment of the local government.
He stated that his priority is workers’ welfare in all ramifications and the good people of the area.
Apiafi stated this recently while addressing workers at the council’s headquarters in Opobo, saying that his direct mandate is to ensure that the existing peace is sustained.
According to him, he is a technocrat, hence he will carry out his functions accordingly.
“Thank you all for welcoming me as your administrator. My mandate here is to ensure that you, workers, are well treated, with your salaries paid promptly, and give you what you deserve.
“You all are my brothers, sisters and friends. I know that together we can take this local government to an enviable height. What I need from you is cooperation.
“I solicit for your support to enable us all succeed because I alone cannot achieve the desired development”, he urged.
The administrator used the forum to thank the Sole Administrator of the State, Vice – Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.) for giving him the opportunity to serve his people and pledged that he will not disappoint him in any aspect, while promising to discharge his duties in strict compliance to the charge of the Sole Administrator.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) in the LGA, Comrade Diri Dandison, commended the administrator for placing workers’ welfare top on his list.
According to him, what workers want in the LGA is someone who can give them listening ears, and also give them what they deserve.
“I am happy that Mr. Fredrick Apiafi has placed welfare of workers first, but we pray he fullfills his promises. What we want is for people at the grassroots to also enjoy dividends of governance”, he said.
By: Theresa Frederick, Charity Amiso
The Nigerian Navy Rescue Team from Nigerian Navy Ship PATHFINDER have saved 99 persons from drowning in Rivers State during an operation.
A statement by the Director of Naval Information, Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, in Port Harcourt, said the incident occurred when a barge, ADAM (Damen Buba) was involved in a head-on collision with a market boat en route Akuku Toru Local Government Area in Rivers State, resulting in significant structural damage to the market boat.
He said the Nigerian Navy Ship PATHFINDER personnel deployed to Naval Security Station 035 in collaboration with four other Navy Gunboats launched a coordinated and effective search and rescue operation, saving all 99 passengers onboard.
According to him, most of the passengers’ goods were also salvaged successfully.
“The timely intervention and prompt response of Nigerian Navy personnel ensured that no lives were lost and most of the valuable properties were preserved.
“The Nigerian Navy hereby restates that under the leadership of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, the service will continue to ensure the security and safety of all legitimate sea farers within Nigeria’s maritime domain”, Adams Aliu said.
By: Theresa Frederick, Charity Amiso
-
News2 days ago
JAMB Releases 2025 UTME Results, Withholds 39, 834 Others
-
News2 days agoSuspended Commissioner Denies Disruption Of Empowerment Programme
-
Niger Delta2 days agoOyetola Distributes Life Jackets To Water Transportation Users In Bayelsa
-
Politics2 days agoNo Greater Political Sin Than Defecting With Another Party’s Mandate – Kwankwaso
-
Sports2 days agoOmo-Agege sues Minimah, NOC Over NBF Crisis
-
Oil & Energy2 days ago
Reps Launches Probe Into N200bn CBN Loan To DISCOs
-
News2 days agoFG Rescues 78 Trafficked Victims In Cote D’Ivoire
-
News2 days agoHausa Community Debunks Saidu’s Appointment Report