Rivers

Ekpeye Monarch Lauds Wike’s Dev Strides

Published

8 years ago

February 27, 2017

Ekpeye monarch, Eze Ekpeye Logbo II, His Royal Majesty, Robinson O. Robinson has lauded the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Ezenwo Wike for bagging chains of award from different organizations within his short period in office, saying it is benefitting of him considering the good work he is doing for the state.
The royal father who cited instances of four road projects going on in different parts of Ekpeyeland as a manifestation of Wike’s developmental strides, said that those best governor awards bestowed on him were meritorious, pointing out that Ekpeye people were being carried along in the scheme of things of this present administration in the state.
Speaking during the Ekpeye Language International Mother Tongue Day 2017 celebration in Port Harcourt recently, Eze Robinson noted that “actually, we are losing our mother tongue. We must support every effort at promoting our mother tongue and ensure it is taught in all schools in Ekpeyeland”, urging Ekpeye chiefs and elders to contribute their quota towards the promotion of their language.
According to him, there is plan to include Ekpeye language in the educational curriculum of all schools in Ekpeyeland, while the Ekpeye language day celebration would be an annual event.
In his remark, as chairman of the occasion, Senator Osinachukwu Ideozu noted that Ekpeye clan was the third nationality in Rivers State, saying that the language is so important that it cannot be ignored in terms of communication in the state.
In a welcome address, the curator, National Museum, Port Harcourt, Mr Omolaya Fadamijo, the chief host, described mother tongue as not just one in which the first words are uttered and individual thoughts expressed but also the foundation for the history and culture of each individual and ethnic group, saying that language is the most powerful instrument for preserving and developing our tangible and intangible heritage as they serve as vehicles through which we communicate our culture, values and ethnics.
He pointed out that the migratory account of the Ekpeye people from the Benin Empire through Abo in Kwale areas in present day Delta State supports the claims that over the centuries most of the migratory Ekpeye groups had lost their original mother tongue to the alien language that they now speak in their present location.
He explained that the National Commission for Museums and Monuments chose the Ekpeye language for UNESCO International Mother Language Day 2017 with the theme: “towards sustainable future through multi-lingual Education” Highlights of the event were the exhibition of cultural artifacts and books written in Ekpeye language, cultural dance display and Ekpeye language competition by eight secondary schools in Ekpeyeland.
At the end of the competition, GOCSS, Odiemerenyi clinched first position while Western Ahoada county High school, Ahoada came second with CSS, Odiagbioli grabbing the third and were presented with trophies.

Shedie Okpara

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