Rivers
FG To Review NDDC’s Policies

As part of activities leading to the virtual commissioning of the new Headquarters of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in Port Harcourt, the Federal Government has said that it would soon review the NDDC’s policies and modules.
The Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio said this at the pre-commissioning press conference of the new NDDC Headquarters in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Akpabio said NDDC was not all about mismanagement in terms of corruption, but corruption-associated with policies, stating that all that would soon change.
He said with forensic audit and the needed changes effected, NDDC must begin to see the money coming in to deliver major regional plans to execute major projects, including linking the entire mandate states by all transport means possible.
According to him, “by the time the forensic audit closes, NDDC will change, so when you look at NDDC, it is not just the mismanagement in terms of corruption, it’s also the corruption associated with policies, corruption associated with the modus operandi. To get paid for a job, by the time you are through with state offices and you come to headquarters to get your money, in the finance department, you need about 26 signatures before payments are done, so any of them that does not sign the paper, it means that person would have to wait for the 5-6 years, so we’ll also look at the internal governing of the NDDC and reposition it”.
Akpabio also said the Federal Government is determined to complete the first to 4th sections of the East-West Road.
He also said that the NDDC would review the scholarship programme for students in order to train more persons.
He hinted that the commission was spending over N300 million yearly as rent for the rented headquarters office in Port Harcourt, saying, “What many didn’t know was that for over 15 years, that office was not connected to the national grid. So, the purchase of diesel also became a racket, so you understand why completing the permanent headquarters was not the focus for so long”.
On the permanent headquarters project, he said the President deserved commendation for approving the desire of his ministry and the commission’s management to ensure its completion where successive administrations have failed to realise the same since the days of OMPADEC, 25 years ago.
The Interim Board Administrator of the NDDC, Dr Effiong Akwa, on his part, commended the Rivers State Government, the Okrika community leaders for their co-operation in the construction of the headquarters.
He said, “I would not end this media conference without appreciating the Rivers State Government for providing us with a conducive environment throughout our work here, we did not encounter community issues and so I also wish to thank the youths of this community particularly the Okrika youths. They are the best I have come across in recent times, they were cooperating with us. the Rivers State Government provided excellent security”.
By: Tonye Nria-Dappa
Niger Delta
RSNC Head Charges NAOMEW On Professionalism, Effective Service Delivery

The Head of Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mrs Stella Dornubari Gbaraba, has charged the National Association of Ogoni Media House Workers (NAOMEW) World Wide, to be committed to professionalism, patriotism and effective service delivery in the discharge of their duties and rendering of patriotic gestures.
Mrs Gbaraba gave the charge yesterday when the NAOMEW, The Tide Chapter paid her a courtesy call in her office in Port Harcourt.
She expressed deep appreciation for the visit, and assured the Association of her commitment to being a worthy Ogoni Ambassador like late Mr Augustine Nwikinaka, former General Manager of the corporation, to promote the fortunes of the corporation, while counting on their unflinching encouragement, prayers and support to succeed.
“ I am very happy to receive the National Association of Ogoni Media House Workers (The Tide Chapter) today in my office. I am glad you people came to my office, for those that know me in a short while in the corporation, I am a serious-minded person. I heard that the time the corporation was functioning well was under the leadership of late Austin Nwikinaka. Any where I go to, I will rather come down and show working example and that is what the Ogoni person is known for. So I am always proud to associate myself with an Ogoni man, so your support means so much to me,” Mrs Gbaraba said.
She assured them of running an open-door policy in the management of the corporation, and urged stronger partnership between NAOMEW, other unions, interest groups, corporate organisations, institutions and the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation in professional service delivery.
Speaking on behalf of the NAOMEW, The Tide Chapter, the National Secretary of the association, Comrade Taneh Beemene welcomed her into The Tide family and also congratulated her on her very important appointment.
Taneh, who expressed confidence in her experience and abilities to deliver on her assignments, thanked her for the uncommon feats recorded in the corporation within her brief leadership. He said the corporation has been revived from its comatose status that predated her appointment.
“ Within your short time, you have given the corporation a remarkable facelift. We pray that God should give you the enablement to restore the dignity of the corporation. We have come to inform you that we are solidly behind you and will make our untiring contributions to make you succeed, “ he stated.
In his vote of thanks and closing remarks, the Chairman, National Union of Printing, Publishing and Paper Production Workers (NUPPPPROW), Comrade Keyirale Donatus Nwiueh thanked the Head of the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mrs Stella Dornubari Gbaraba for receiving the association in a warm manner, adding that she should count on the support of the association to succeed.
Kiadum Edookor
Niger Delta
OBALGA Sole Administrator Presents Brand New Fire Extinguishers To Council …Commiserates With Traders Over Rumuomasi Market Fire Incident …Commences Desilting Of Drainages

The Sole Administrator of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Dr Clifford Ndu Walter has presented 150 brand new fire extinguishers to the council.
Dr Walter who spoke to newsmen at the council premises at Rumuodumanya said the gesture was part of measures by his administration to ensure safety of lives and council property from unforeseen fire incidents.
He urged the staff of the council to ensure the safety of the extinguishers, while promising to engage experts to teach them how to handle and operate the extinguishers.
Meanwhile, Sole Administrator of Obio Akpor Local Government Council, Dr Clifford Ndu Walter has commiserated with traders at the Rumuomasi Market over the unfortunate fire incident that gutted parts of the market.
Dr Walter who visited the market to assess the level of damage caused by the fire, described it as unfortunate
Addressing the crowd of distressed traders and community members, Dr. Walter acknowledged the historical significance of the market, which was originally built under the administration of the former Obio/Akpor Chairman and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief (Barr.) Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON.
He noted that preliminary findings suggest the fire may have been caused by an electrical fault, though a full investigation is still underway.
“As a local government, we will constitute a thorough investigation team to determine the root cause of the fire,
“Most importantly, we thank God that no lives were lost. I want to assure our traders that the Local Government will not abandon you.
“We will also work with security operatives to safeguard salvaged goods and prevent further losses,” he said.
He encouraged traders to adopt stricter safety measures, especially concerning electrical appliances in markets prone to fire hazards.
“There are many ways fires can ignite, even without an open flame. Let us all be vigilant and prioritise safety,” he cautioned.
Dr. Walter also commended those who stepped in to assist during the emergency.
“We are grateful to all who helped salvage goods and support affected persons during the crisis. Your kindness embodies the spirit of Obio/Akpor. The forthcoming investigation will help us put preventive structures in place,” he said.
The Chairman of the market, Mr. Prince Adele, who accompanied Dr. Walter, during the inspection, identified K-Lane as the most severely affected area.
A statement by the information officer to the council, Ominini Leslie Wokoma said no incident of death was reported by the traders during the visit.
In another development, the Sole Administrator of Obio/Akpor local government council, Sir Clifford Ndu Walter, has commenced a comprehensive canal clearance campaign with a view to identifying and removal of all blockages including illegal structures hindering the free flow of waters in the area.
A statement from the council Press Secretary, Ominini Leslie Wokoma said during the inspection of key canals in the area, several unauthorised barricades and blockages were discovered and removed.
According to the statement, Dr Walter emphasised that illegal dumping, unapproved structures and poor drainage habits endanger communities and undermine government efforts, adding that his administration is committed to protecting lives and property of the citizens.
It said the Sole Administrator also declared his readiness to ensure that all canals and drainages are cleaned, maintained and functioning effectively.
He also warned against further dumping of waste in waterways, citing impending flooding.
Rivers
FIDA, PCRC Train Police On Paralegal Cases
-
Sports3 days ago
RSG Advises Rivers Angels, Players, Mgt To Work As A Team …Tasks Them To Win The Final
-
Nation3 days ago
FG Restates Commitment To Seafarers’ Welfare, Safety
-
Rivers3 days ago
Students Praise Old Boys/Girls 83 Set Over African Child Day Celebration
-
News3 days ago
Rivers Remains Your Willing Partner For Enhanced Maritime Operations, Ibas Tells Navy
-
News3 days ago
Tinubu Rejects NDLEA Bill Over Crime Proceeds Clause
-
Niger Delta3 days ago
RSNC Head Charges NAOMEW On Professionalism, Effective Service Delivery
-
Sports3 days ago
Lagos Holds African Fencing Champs
-
News3 days ago
Rivers High Court Judges Begin 2025 Vacation, July 21