Rivers

Christmas Festivities: Ahoada East Bans Burials

Published

15 years ago

December 20, 2010

The Ahoada East Local government Council in Rivers State has banned burial ceremonies in the area. This action took effect from last Saturday and it will remain in effect till January 18, 2011.

The Chairman of the Local Government Council, High Chief Cassidy O.W. Ikegbidi, who announced this while briefing newsmen in his office at Ahoada explained that the action was taken for security reason to ensure peace and orderliness during Christmas and New Year periods.

Ikegbidi said that the move was necessitated by social vices that characterized burial ceremonies, especially cases of carrying of guns, machetes and drinking of all sorts of alcohols, which have resulted in breach of peace, adding that peace and orderliness should be the inhabitants’ watchword in communities of the local government area. Ikegbidi said that Christmas and New Year should be seen as period for celebration of merriment and sober – reflection, adding that burial ceremonies should be seen as sacred and payment of last respect to the dead.

The chairman advised churches, bereaved family members and mortuary operators not to release corpses in their mortuaries, within the periods, adding that any defaulters as to the violation to the order would be made to face the wrath of the law. It would be recalled that similar ban was announced last year 2009 which saved most unforeseen circumstances and it is hoped that citizens of the local government area would embrace the idea for the good of all. Meanwhile, political aides to the chairman has lauded the Ahoada East LG boss for his developmental strides in the area and urged him to re-contest the chairmanship positon in 2011 to enable him provide the people with more dividends of democracy.

Rivers

Andoni Charges Students to Prioritize Studies, Dev

Published

43 mins ago

June 20, 2025

The Tide

The Andoni Local Government Administrator, Surv. Atajit Francis, has urged students from the area to prioritize their studies to achieve their future goals and contribute to their community’s development.

Francis made this call during a courtesy visit by the National Union of Andoni Students (NUAS) led by Comrade Isaac Tugwell Owo at the council’s headquarters in Ngo Town.

WThe Andoni Local Government Administrator emphasized the need for students to manage their time and resources effectively, rather than relying on others, stressing that “prudent management would enable them to achieve their goals”.

He assured the students of the council’s commit to addressing their needs, including bursary payments, to cushion the effect of the current economic challenges and sponsorship of their proposed 4th Financial and Leadership Summit, despite limited resources.

The Andoni Local Government boss also stressed the importance of prayer and peaceful coexistence in driving development in the area.

Earlier in his remarks, the leader of the delegation, who doubles as the National President of the Andoni Students Union, (NUAS), Comrade Isaac Tugwell Owo, said, the visit was to congratulate the ANOLGA Administrator on his appointment, which he described as divine, given his track record of positively impacting lives.

Comrade Owo also sought support for their chapters’ cultural day, aimed at showcasing Obolo culture and providing training for secondary students in computer-based WAEC exams.

Rivers

LG Administrator Seeks FG’s Support For Security, Infrastructure Challenges

Published

47 mins ago

June 20, 2025

The Tide

The Andoni Local Government Administrator, Surv. Atajit Francis, has called on the Federal Government to provide more support to the area, citing limited resources and insecurity challenges.

He made the plea when he received the Obolo Media Forum, led by its Chairman, Chief Gogo Rufus, who visited him in his office in Ngo Town, the headquarters of the Council.

Francis emphasized that despite the area’s substantial contribution to Nigeria’s economy through oil, it lacks basic infrastructure and federal presence.

He, therefore, urged the group, as media practitioners, to highlight Andoni’s needs, including improved security, infrastructure development, and investment opportunities, to attract federal support and attention.

The ANOLGA boss thanked the group for the visit and promised to support their efforts.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Obolo Media Forum, Chief Gogo Rufus, commended the Andoni Administrator’s initiatives, including engaging sanitation marshals and employing persons from various wards to improve the sanitary conditions of primary schools and communities across the Local Government Area.

He urged him to continue his good work and requested assistance with mobility and also prayed for the Andoni Administrator’s tenure to be extended to ensure continued progress and development.

Rivers

Foundation Tasks Parents, Families In Moral Rectitude

Published

52 mins ago

June 20, 2025

The Tide

The Men Aglow Charity Foundation, a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), has tasked parents and families to step up efforts towards moral rectitude in the society.

The foundation, which stated this at its 2025 Run For life Event it organized in Port Harcourt, also blamed the high rate of social vices in the society on lack of family values.

The event with the theme “Youth, Drugs and the Society”, was part of activities to mark the just-concluded World Father’s Day celebration 2025.

It was organized by the foundation in partnership with the Rivers State Ministry of Health, National Drug law Enforcement Agency, Yrido RSUTH, among others.

Chairman of the foundation, Chief Kalada Wilson, said families must be blamed for the high rate of social vices in the society.

He said it was in realization of this that the foundation decided to launch the campaign against the incessant use and abuse of drugs

“As fathers, in commemoration of this year’s international father’s day celebration, we decided to launch this campaign against the incessant use and abuse of drugs and substances among our teeming youth population”, he said.

Wilson described the foundation as a child of necessity born to tackle similar societal, health and fundamental issues challenging most homes today, saying, “brand Run for life is our corporate brand nomenclature that we use to address the societal challenges as we see them appear.”

He also condemned the desperation for quick wealth, asking “what has happened to hard work, integrity and dignity?”, adding that “time has come for both parents and grandparents to teach their children and wards moral values.

“Teach values, wealth is good, but wisdom, character and contentment are better.”

Hr also used the occasion to thank the Rivers State Ministry of Health, Rivers State University Teaching Hospital NDLEA, and Youth Rescue International Development Organization for their support.

Also speaking, Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Health, Dr. Mekele Igwe, said time has come for the society to do more to arrest the high rate of social vices.

Dr. Igwe also tasked non-governmental organizations to assist in its campaign towards the eradication of drug abuse in the society, and thanked the group for the event, while urging other non-governmental organizations to emulate it.

In his lecture titled “Drugs Understanding Use, Abuse And The Part To A Drug-Free Society: A Message To The Youth”, the Director, Public Health, Rivers State Ministry of Health, Dr. Ndubuisi Akpuh, advised young people to avoid drugs, saying it reduces their potentials.

“Your potentials are limitless, don’t let drugs limit it”, he said.

He also called for more awareness to reach out to youths, especially those in remote areas.

On her part Dr. Mrs. Iberedem David said families, including the larger societies, have a lot to do to curb the menace of drug abuse.

According to her, the challenges of curbing drug abuse falls squarely on on individuals, families and communities as well as the government.

The event was attended by the representative of the National Drug law Enforcement Agency, school children and others.

Claire Julius & Victory Obilor