Rivers

Work On Bodo-Opobo-Bonny Road Excites FG

Published

5 years ago

August 16, 2021

The Federal Government says the Bodo, Opobo and Bonny road project under construction is almost the biggest project being undertaken by the present administration across the country with about N200 billion committed to it.
It has also lauded the progress of work done so far on the job by the constructing firm, Julius Berger Limited
The Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, stated this when he made an inspection visit to the project site that terminated at the Ataba section of the road project in Andoni creek of the State to ascertain the level of work done so far on the road project comprising the construction of Rivers 37.9km single carriageway with major and mini bridges of length spanning about 300 meters.
Fashola said the federal government was committed to ensuring that the project was delivered and completed as approved, saying that funding was not a problem.
According to him, one out of the three major bridges and four mini bridges have been completed, adding that a massive engineering work is ongoing across the project site.
The minister averred that the federal government was investing almost 200 billion Naira in the project, adding that when the project is completed, it will improve on the fortunes of the people, state and the country at large.
He described the project as historic and memorable, noting that the project was conceived since 1980 before the present administration took the bold steps to commence work on it, adding that he was elated to ride on the road from the Bodo Creek to the Ataba Creek.
“It is a tremendous thing, so historic and memorable to see that the people of Bodo, Ataba and Bonny will be linked by road. I must commend President Muhammad Buhari for leading the SEC to approve this road project which is almost the highest project being executed by the federal government.
“Funding is not a problem, so we shall go back to see where we lost time and increase our man power and technology to make up the lost period. We are striving to ensure that the project is delivered as scheduled for 2022 deadline,” he stated.
Fashola used the opportunity to thank the NLNG for their role in the execution of the project through the tax policy payment of the federal government and all the host communities for their role in ensuring that the project succeed, even as he assured the Ataba community that their request of linking the road to their community will be done when the major road is completed..
Also speaking on behalf of the engineers handling the project, Engr E. U. Udoh, who gave a summary of the project said the road project had three major bridges at AFA Creek with 502 meters long at Opobo channel bridge, 1.198m long, Nanbeie creek Bridge 782m long,, one pipeline crossing bridge, 204metres long, while the 9 mini bridges have a total of 348m length.

He disclosed that the project had provided 659 direct jobs and 182 indirect jobs to both host communities and other youth from the country, adding that the completed stretch of the road has provided easy access for the residents to their farms, schools and health centers as well as reduced travel time to the Afa creek jetty and cost.

Also speaking, the Okanma of Ataba community, King Benson Egwenre, expressed happiness with the ongoing project, adding that the road project would impact on the economic and living conditions of the host communities.

The monarch while commending the federal government over the project, appealed for the extension of the project to Ataba community.

By: AkujobiAmadi

Rivers

100 Days: UPTH CMD Harps On Brain Drain, Anti-Corruption

Published

3 days ago

April 20, 2026

The Tide

The Chief Medical Director of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), Prof. Chituru Godswill Orluwene, has identified brain drain and corruption as critical challenges confronting Nigeria’s health sector.

Orluwene, who made this known during a press briefing to mark his first 100 days in office, in Choba, declared that his administration is tackling both issues headlong as part of efforts to reposition the institution.

He noted that the stewardship session was aimed at rendering account of his leadership and setting a transparent benchmark for performance going forward.

“This 100 days is to render stewardship and give account of our activities, while we tackle corruption headlong within the system”, he said.

Addressing concerns over the exodus of medical professionals, the CMD said, poor working conditions have contributed significantly to brain drain, but that ongoing reforms are beginning to address these challenges.

He expressed optimism in the efforts of the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, adding that, Government is repositioning the health sector, especially in remuneration and infrastructure.

On corruption, Prof. Orluwene stressed, “We have taken decisive steps to block all financial leakages and ensure accountability in our operations.”

He disclosed that a staff verification exercise exposed irregularities, stating that “Out of over 4,000 staff on the payroll, only about 2,000 presented themselves for verification.

“As a result, over 1,000 salaries have been stopped due to discrepancies identified during the exercise.”

Highlighting policy reforms, the CMD said, feeding of patients has now been standardized at ?5,000 for three meals, while other charges have been reviewed downward.

On infrastructure, he said “The Accident and Emergency Department was in a poor state before, but today it has undergone massive renovation.”

Speaking on power supply, he revealed: “With the solar power project on ground, UPTH will soon enjoy 24-hour electricity supply. Our goal is to make UPTH a hub for medical tourism in the near future.”

By: King Onunwor

Rivers

Social Welfare Ministry Accepts UNIPORT’s Training, Vulnerable Database Proposal

Published

3 days ago

April 20, 2026

The Tide

The Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation has revealed that it will consider new proposals by the University of Port Harcourt to engage its staff on refresher training and a state-wide database initiative for vulnerable persons, to ensure efficient service delivery and data-driven planning in the state.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Lauretta Davies-Dimpka, disclosed this when she received a delegation from the University of Port Harcourt, led by a Professor of Social Work and Community Development, Prof. Daniel Uranta, which also include some of his PhD students, during a courtesy visit to her office, Friday.

She described the visit as “timely to get our staff up to speed regarding current standards in social work practice”, and assured the visiting team that their proposals, including a one-month certificate programme for staff and a Child Rights Implementation/Enforcement Committee, would be reviewed.

She added that the ministry’s doors are open for collaboration and partnership, noting that with collaborative effort, social work will achieve greater impact and professionalism in the state.

Earlier, Prof. Uranta said the visit was to formally introduce himself and seek collaboration to strengthen the existing partnership between the university and the ministry.

He proposed four key areas of cooperation: refresher training for ministry staff, a one-month certificate programme on social work for staff, development of a state-wide database for vulnerable persons across the 23 Local Government Areas of the state, and strengthening of a Child Rights Implementation/Enforcement Committee.

The UNIPORT Professor noted that the proposals are aimed at improving case management and welfare response across the state.

The courtesy visit ended on a cordial note, with both parties expressing willingness to collaborate and review the proposals.

Rivers

Ogoloma Fishermen Association Laud Okrika Chair On Grassroots Dev

Published

3 days ago

April 20, 2026

The Tide

The Fishermen Association of Ogoloma Community has commended the Executive Chairman of Okrika Local Government Council, Chief Hon. Akuro Alfred Tobin, for his commitment to grassroots development and the empowerment of local fishermen.

The Association made the commendstion during a courtesy “thank-you” visit by members of the association to the council chairman, following the distribution of fishing equipment aimed at boosting productivity and livelihoods within the riverine community.

Speaking during the visit, Chief Tobin expressed gratitude to the fishermen for their show of appreciation, noting that their success remains a top priority of his administration.

He stated that the empowerment initiative through the provision of fishing canoes, nets, and hooks was designed to enhance economic activities and improve living standards in Ogoloma and other parts of Okrika.

“I am encouraged by your visit and your progress so far. This administration is committed to supporting our local fishermen to thrive. There will be a second phase of the human capital development programme, and we will do even more to uplift the fishing community,” the Chairman assured.

The Chairman reiterated his administration’s dedication to inclusive development, stressing that empowering local industries such as fishing is key to sustainable economic growth in the region.

Responding on behalf of the Association, its spokesperson, Elder Kaizer Kiniminabo, conveyed heartfelt appreciation to the council boss.

He acknowledged the impact of the empowerment programme on the fishermen’s productivity and welfare.

“On behalf of our matron, Hon. Linda Stewart Somiari, and Hon. Royal Ateke, we express our sincere gratitude to the Executive Chairman for his magnanimity and commitment to the well-being of fishermen in Ogoloma. We pray for the continued success of his administration,” Kiniminabo stated.

As a token of appreciation, the association presented gifts, including dry fish and other locally sourced items to the chairman, symbolizing their gratitude and support.

The visit highlights the growing collaboration between local authorities and community stakeholders in fostering development and economic empowerment across Okrika Local Government Area.

By: Michael T. Abraham