Rivers
Bonny Protest Neglect, Seeks CSR MoU Implementation
A protest by Bonny Kingdom in Rivers State have given ultimatum to international oil firms and the Nigeria Liquified Natural Gas Limited (NLNGL) operating in the island on the need to transform the island in line with the memorandum of understanding (MOU) provided by the Train 7 agreement.
The Chairman of Bonny Kingdom Development Committee (BKDC), Amaopusenibo Amairigha Hart, accused the oil and gas multinationals of neglecting their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) obligations, marginalizing Bonny people, and violating agreements.
Hart warned that the Kingdom would no longer tolerate what he called the flagrant disregard for its developmental needs.
“Bonny Kingdom is known for its peaceful and hospitable nature, but this should not be mistaken for weakness. While individuals, nations, and organizations hail Bonny Island as a blessed geographic location, the land and people have very little to smile about.
“This stems from the abject neglect, total exclusion, rights and privileges denial, and obnoxious disregard for the people of Bonny Kingdom in the scheme of things with regards to how the companies operating in Bonny Island do their businesses”, he said.
Indigenes of the island had planned to begin an indefinite shutdown on January 13, 2025, to demand the implementation of stalled development projects and agreements.
However, the BKDC announced the suspension of the protest following interventions by NLNG and security agencies, who requested an opportunity for dialogue.
“While the plans to commence the protest were at their peak, government agencies and NLNG reached out to us for a chance to discuss and resolve the issues amicably. The Kingdom considered the requests and had decided to suspend the planned peaceful protest”, he explained.
Despite this temporary suspension, the BKDC stressed that it remains steadfast in its demands.
“This is a strong note of warning: things cannot remain as they are. A people grounded may be buried but cannot die twice”, Hart stated.
The BKDC Chairman decreied the failure to implement the CSR projects under the NLNG Train-7 project, including road expansions, construction of a mini-stadium, a waste-to-wealth facility, and other infrastructure.
He alleged that despite adequate funding from Train 7 investors, NLNG has withheld the project funds and failed to deliver.
“For emphasis, NLNG and SCD-JV signed Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) to execute the following projects in the Kingdom under the Train 7 Project: Expansion of the road from Shell Gate to Coal Beach with a spur from Amaomu Junction to the King Perekule Palace; construction of a 5,000-capacity mini-stadium and sports academy; construction of a vehicular terminal; and construction of a 2.5km road from Workers’ Camp to Simidia Junction. But none of these projects has seen the light of day up till now.
“Interestingly, the people of the Kingdom are well aware that investors in the Train 7 Project provided adequate funds for the implementation of CSR projects in the Kingdom, but unfortunately, NLNG has ensnared these funds in its custody and continued to exercise sole authority over them without any input from the Kingdom”, Hart alleged.
He further lamented the poor living conditions in Bonny despite its immense contributions to Nigeria’s economy.
He continued that “As at today, Bonny Island lacks clean, potable, and drinkable water. It lacks basic social amenities. There are no internal roads except the few constructed by the Bonny Local Government.
“The Bodo-Bonny Road remains under construction since 1975 and is yet to be completed. Roads in the Kingdom remain one-lane narrow roads despite the intense traffic utilization occasioned by the activities of these companies”.
Noting that the kingdom is grappling with severe environmental degradation, Hart said, “The shores around Bonny Island continue to be washed away by the sea waves, a situation aggravated by the strong waves caused by the heavy traffic of large seagoing vessels owned and operated by the multinationals.
“The air pollution is at an all-time high with attendant environmental and health hazards which residents of the Island are being subjected to. Acid rain is a normal occurrence, which continues to undermine the sustainability of buildings in the Island”.
The BKDC further urged the Federal Government, Rivers State Government, and IOCs to take immediate action to address the Kingdom’s grievances, warning that failure to do so could result in renewed action from the people.
“This is a cry for help by the people of Bonny Kingdom and a strong note of warning that things will no longer remain as they are. It is time for the Federal and State Government as well as the companies operating in the Kingdom to rise to the occasion and act right, urgently and in the interest of Bonny people”, Hart stated further.
The committee emphasized that while the Kingdom values dialogue and collaboration, it expects concrete results and a change in attitude from the companies operating within its borders.
In his response, the management of NLNG, through the General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, Ms. Sophia Horsfall, assured stakeholders that plans for Train 7 CSR projects remain on course.
Kevin Nengia
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African Immigrants Resources Centre (AIRC), a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) based in the United States of America (USA), has empowered over 600 schoolgirls with sanitary pads and menstrual hygiene education in Rivers.
The Convener of the “Give a Girl a Pad (GAGAP) Initiative” a subsidiary programme of the AIRC, Mrs. Chimezie Oji-Kalu, made the remark during a sensitisation programme at the Community Secondary School, Amadi-Ama, Port Harcourt.
The programme was organised in commemoration of the 2026 International Women’s Day (IWD).
Oji-Kalu said that AIRC, with the IWD theme, “Give to Gain,” decided to distribute sanitary pads to school girls in Rivers, Lagos, lmo, and Abia states ad well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
She said the initiative was to gain back their confidence and dignity in the society and to address menstrual hygiene challenges faced by girls, while breaking the stigma and misinformation surrounding menstruation.
‘’The programme was aimed at educating and boosting the confidence of young girls, also helping them achieve their dreams through proper menstrual hygiene knowledge.
“Many girls still miss school or feel ashamed due to lack of access to sanitary products or proper information about their bodies.
“This is why the “Give a Girl a Pad” initiative has become a household name in schools to ensure that no girl feels embarrassed or unprepared because of her natural biological process”, she said.
Oji-Kalu noted that the programme did not focus only on the distribution of sanitary pads, but also on education, awareness, dignity and empowerment to a girl child.
She urged the school girls to take the lessons from the sensitisation programme seriously and share their knowledge with others.
Also speaking, the Coordinator of GAGAP, Rivers Chapter, Mrs. Dorris Nwakuna, said the initiative was designed to educate girls on menstrual hygiene before, during and after menstruation.
Nwakuna added that it was also designed to eradicate menstrual poverty, equip the girls with sanitary pads, and the knowledge required to maintain proper hygiene and also to understand their roles in society.
She advised the beneficiaries of the sensitisation and sanitary pads distribution exercise to ensure that they maintained proper hygiene during and after menstruation.
The Principal of the Community Secondary School, Junior, Amadi-Ama, Dr. Mina Wakama, appreciated the organisers for choosing the school for the programme.
Wakama expressed optimism that the initiative would positively impact the students and improve their understanding of menstrual hygiene.
Also, one of the teachers in the school, Mrs. Gloria Ihieme, said the sensitisation would help the students manage themselves better during their menstrual period.
Another teacher, Mrs. Ibim Goodluck, described the distribution of the free sanitary pads as a commendable gesture.
She noted that some girl students lacked access to sanitary products and sometimes resorted to using tissue paper or cotton wool.
Goodluck also commended the organisers for encouraging the girls to speak out against abuse, noting that many children experienced abuse but were often afraid to report it.
Some students who benefited from the programme also expressed appreciation to the organisers for the education and sanitary pads.
Miss Anita Maduabuchi said she learnt the importance of maintaining proper hygiene during menstruation and keeping herself clean.
Another student, who simply introduced herself as Dakara, said the programme taught her the importance of speaking out and avoiding exploitation.
Miss Lily Briggs, on her part, said the programme had boosted her confidence. She also pledged to encourage other girls to keep clean and change their sanitary pads regularly.
By: Theresa Frederick & Charity Amiso
Rivers
Elele Alimini Monarch Seeks Government Support … As NGO Trains Leadership Organs In Peace Building, Others
The Paramount Ruler of Elele Alimini, HRH, Eze CP Peter Wagbara (rtd), has called on the Rivers State Government to support the community, citing neglect in critical areas such as healthcare and development.
He made the appeal during the 2026 Commonwealth Day celebration organised by the Young Youth Network for Good Leadership in Nigeria (YYNGLN), in partnership with the Palace of the Nye Nwe Ali of Elele Alimini.
Speaking at the event, the President of YYNGLN, Ambassador Collins Agumagu, commended the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for their roles in maintaining peace in the state.
He also urged the state government to formally recognise CP Peter Wagbara (rtd.) as the Nye Nwe Ali of Elele Alimini, stating that the community had democratically chosen him as their traditional ruler.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of the Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme, Dr. Vetty Agala, represented by Mr. Randy Chukwu, highlighted the state government’s health insurance scheme, which requires ?25,000 per person annually and covers medical services such as drugs, operations and check-ups.
In her remarks, the Executive Director of Pathway for Peace and Development, Mrs. Rita Kiagbara, stressed that community transformation depends on committed leadership and emphasised the vital role of women in societal development.
Other Guest Speakers were: Prof. Emmanuel Ikechi Wonah, Senior Lecturer, Department of Political Science, University of Port Harcourt; Prof. Mina Ogbanga, Head of Department, Social Work, Rivers State University; Mrs. Sarah Hope Amgbara, Head of Publicity and Media, Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).
The Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, represented by OyoBoy Edman, Director of Administration, told the gathering that the Traditional stool of Elele Alimini is now different from Big Elele and called for peace in communities at all time.
He also commended the YYNGLIN for putting the event for the training on Leadership, Behavioral change and Peace building and Conflict Resolution for members of Elele Alimini Community leadership.
The event also featured an awards presentation to individuals recognised for their contributions to the development of society.
Among the awardees were Dr. Chidi Lloyd, Chairman of Emohua Local Government Area; HRH, Eze CP Peter Wagbara (rtd.), Paramount Ruler of Elele Alimini; Dr. GodPower Obah, Bursar, University of Port Harcourt; Barr. Peter Ugari of Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited and PADU Integrated Services Nigeria Limited, High Chief Demian Enyindah; Chief Stanley Wuzor; Chief Emma Ofuru Woka; High Chief Ndubuisi Godwin Worlu, Chairman, BOT, Olo-Oil Field Development Trust of Aradel Holding PLC.
Members of the Old Boys Association of County Grammar School, Ikwerre/Etche, Rivers State, have elected a new national executive committee to steer the affairs of the body for the next three years.
The new leadership emerged during the association’s first Quarterly National Congress in 2026, held recently at the premises of El Domino School, along Rumuolumeni Road, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
At the congress, members elected an 11-member executive committee and tasked them with consolidating on the achievements of the outgoing leadership, while advancing the welfare of members and the growth of their alma mater.
Elected officers include Chief Vincent Erinwo, as National President; Dr. Edwin Ojirika, as Vice President; Dr. Godwin Iheanacho, as National Secretary; and Mr. Ezebunwo Amadi, as Assistant Secretary.
Others are Mr. Nwachukwu Chukwuka, Treasurer; Mr. Echeazu Jonathan, Financial Secretary; Senibo Celestine Ogolo, Public Relations Officer; Mr. Nlem Philip Chinedu, Assistant Public Relations Officer; and Mr. Joseph E. Nwoha, Provost.
The immediate past National President, Venerable Bekwelem Wabara (rtd.), and Prince Charles Bekee, a former Commissioner in Rivers State, were named ex-officio members.
Speaking after taking the oath of office, Erinwo, who was returned unopposed, commended the outgoing executive for what he described as a “superlative performance.”
He assured members that the new leadership would build on the solid foundation laid by previous administrations, while introducing fresh initiatives aimed at strengthening the association and improving the welfare of members.
Erinwo also pledged that his administration would prioritise programmes that would contribute to the advancement of the school and promote stronger engagement among members across different sets.
Earlier, the former National President, Wabara, thanked members for their cooperation and support throughout his tenure.
He highlighted some of the achievements of his administration to include the hosting of the first national convention of the association, the production of a constitution, and the expansion of membership across different sets.
Wabara urged members to increase their participation in the activities of the association in order to support academic excellence and the continued development of their alma mater.
The quarterly national congress, hosted by the 1979 set, attracted hundreds of old boys from various graduating sets, including members of the 1958 set, regarded within the association as the “Ancients.”
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