Rivers

Ogbakor Ikwerre Urges Wike, Amaechi’s Supporters To Close Ranks

Published

10 years ago

July 13, 2015

Cross Section of Civil Service Commission, Rivers State, taking oath of office at Government House Port Harcourt Photo: Chris Monyanaga

Irked by the hostile relation
ship amongst supporters of Governor Nyesom Wike and ex-governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, Ogbakor Ikwerre Cultural Organisation worldwide has called on supporters from both divide to close ranks and work together for the benefit of the state.
The President General of the Pan-Ikwerre Organisation, Prof. Augustine Onyeozu made the call while addressing the people of Ikwerre ethnic nationality at this year’s Ogbakor Ikwerre Convention held at Ubima in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Onyeozu said the new reality on ground is that a man of Ikwerre extraction has emerged as the new governor in the state, adding that nothing should be done whatsoever to rock the boat.
He said Governor Wike deserves maximum support from all and sundry to enable his administration deliver on his campaign promises.
While congratulating Governor Wike on his electoral victory, the president-general reminded the new occupant of Rivers Brick House that he has an obligation to give quality service to the state.
He said Rivers State needs unity of purpose and peace, and called on supporters of Amaechi and Wike to have a re-think and work towards taking the state to a new developmental level.
He, however, commended the people of Ubima for producing Sir Celestine Ngozichim Omehia and Chibuike Amaechi as governors of the state.
In an address presented by Ogbakor Ubima Community, its Secretary-General, Prince Innocent W. Orlu, recalled the formation of Ogbakor Ikwerre Worldwide in 1963, noting that the organisation has continued to grow from strength to strength in its history.
He lauded the efforts in the formation of Ogbakor Ikwerre Wordwide, saying that the Pan-Ikwerre Organisation has come a long way to boosting the image and growth of Ikwerre ethnic nationality.
He also praised the efforts of the organisation in intervening when the former governor was faced with myriads of challenges.
Meanwhile, Onyeozu has been re-elected as the president general of Ogbakor Ikwerre Cultural Organisation for second tenure at the organisation’s convention held at Umudioga in Emohua Local Government Area of the state.
Other officers elected along with Onyeozu were Chief L.A Amadi, first vice president; Dr Hilary Wordu, second vice president; Chief Augustine Wogi Okajile,secretary general, while Chief G.U. Ogundu Wali and Mr John Amadi were re-elected as treasurer and public relations officer, respectively.
In another development, this year’s Ikwerre day of thanksgiving has been slated to hold on December 26.
The president-general said the occasion would provide a platform in which sons and daughters of Ikwerre extraction would thank God for what He has done in their lives and the contributions to the growth of the state.

Magret Ogwama/ Natasha Otoma

Rivers

Expert Demands Full Implementation Of PIA In N’Delta Oil Communities

Published

2 days ago

May 12, 2025

The Tide

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.

Rivers

Opobo/Nkoro SOLAD Pledges To Prioritise Workers’ Welfare

Published

2 days ago

May 12, 2025

The Tide

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

Rivers

Navy Saves 99 Persons From Drowning In Rivers

Published

2 days ago

May 12, 2025

The Tide

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