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Rivers

Let’s Keep PH Clean

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If we have to tell ourselves the truth, we are directly or indirectly responsible for the mess being littered in some streets within the metropolis and its environs.
When you go round the city, you will still see dirt litered all over even after the Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA) has banned the dumping of refuse and unnecessary heaps refuse still found on the carriage ways of the major roads.
Although with the way people are complaining, changes are taking place except a few places where some persons have not realised the importance of dwelling in a clean environment.
It may interest you to know that Eliozu and Oil Mill/Eleme Junction axis of the road is being taken care of.  Road sweepers have been doing what they know best. I must also commend RIWAMA for realising that while other roads and streets in Port Harcourt are clean, that portion is also given attention.
There are areas that still need attention as some residents refused to abide by the rules provided by RIWAMA.  Those rules are for the good of all and sundry.
Indiscriminate dumping of refuse can cause a lot of ailments. Sicknesses such as cholera, dysentery, malaria as a result of mosquito bites, name them, can be contracted when the environment is dirty.
We are not unaware that RIWAMA has severally notified residents of Port Harcourt and its environs about the time of disposal of waste. But some persons refuse to obey for reasons best know to them. It is a matter of bagging the wastes and dropping them at designated dump sites where trucks pick them. It is worrisome to see people abandon bags of refuse on the streets where they think nobody sees them. More disturbing is the fact that the ones who use containers usually go and pour out the contents on the roads and even in the drainages while it is raining.
Excuses given by some residents are no longer cogent for dirt to be littered in the roads and it does not make sense while we tell ourselves the truth that residents are directly not indirectly responsible for the mess in most parts of the city.
Another challenge is the issue of scavengers who go to the dump sites in search of scrap metals. There are areas where people have maintained the rules and regulations stipulated by the agency in charge of wastes, but the scavengers do not help matters. Their business is to go about using sticks to open refuse bags and at the end of the day, the whole place is messed up.
It is also high time their activities were checked and a law put in place by relevant authorities so as to stop such menace. Scavengers should stop scattering refuse dumps in search of scrap metals because I am not sure that it contributes to the revenue of Rivers State.
It sounds strange to hear some persons saying that they do not know where to dump refuse and that the dump sites are far from their houses. Not just that, they often feign ignorance of the approved time.
For over a decade, RIWAMA’s stipulated time for refuse disposal has been between 6:00pm and 12:00 midnight, when the trucks pack at designated places to pick them.  In fact there are many of them on major roads in the city.
Those who reside within the most populated areas like Mile 1, Mile 2, Mile 3 in Diobu, especially the market areas should be reminded from time to time through the media and in the streets using mega phones by RIWAMA officials as a form of sensitisation. More awareness will be created by telling them the dangers of dumping refuse indiscriminately within the environment.
The idea and excuse that people cannot walk far distance to dispose should be condemned and anyone found dumping refuse in unauthorised places and time should be arrested by law enforcement agents.  Offenders should be mandated to pay a token. I think that will serve as deterrent to others.
It calls for attention that as people are aware of the rules and regulations, they still disobey by giving excuses that they never met the trucks.  The dangers arising from dirty environment cannot be imagined.
The cleaner the environment we find ourselves, the healthier we are. Apart from the COVID-19 pandemic, a lot of diseases can be contracted. Flies can transfer germs from such places to perch on food and fruits sold by the roadside. The environment can be contaminated through the air. There are plastic disposal containers and baskets hung at some designated places within reserved areas, yet some persons take laws into their hands and throw dirt from moving vehicles.
I remember sometime ago, when RIWAMA used to keep a staff at receptacles to apprehend any erring resident who flouts the directive of 6:00pm to 12:00 midnight. There are areas in Port Harcourt where they normally ring bell as a reminder for people to send their dirt to the waiting trucks. This was operational in Woji and Rumuibekwe areas. On Rumuola Road, I have seen where a truck packed between 6:00pm and 7:00 pm while residents disposed off their dirt.
The issue of unknown persons defecating on the streets and major roads is posing a problem. A full-grown adult will stoop down to defecate when he or she thinks that nobody is coming that way. At the end of the day, someone will mistakenly step on the waste.
Humans should avoid situations where taskforce must be used to go after them before doing what is right. There should be public conveniences in some designated points so that people can help themselves as they are engaged in their daily activities.
I have seen where residents engage some persons on contract on weekly basis to pick refuse from house to house and they are paid.  Those who do not meet the time and trucks should engage such services in the streets and estates.
Government and relevant agencies should enforce the law to ensure that offenders are punished.  When that is done, indiscriminate dumping of refuse will definitely be minimised.

By: Eunice Choko-Kayode

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Niger Delta

RSNC Head Charges NAOMEW On Professionalism, Effective Service Delivery

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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

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Niger Delta

OBALGA Sole Administrator Presents Brand New Fire Extinguishers To Council …Commiserates With Traders Over Rumuomasi Market Fire Incident …Commences Desilting Of Drainages

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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.

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Rivers

FIDA, PCRC Train Police On Paralegal Cases

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The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), in collaboration with the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), has held a  one-day capacity building workshop on paralegal exposure aimed at equipping police officers across Rivers State on ways of handling gender-based violence cases in the society.
The one-day capacity training, organised by the two humanitarian organisations in the state, is designed to boost the knowledge and capacity of the police echelons in the state in handling gender-based violence cases.
Speaking at the event, held at the Police Officers’ Mess in Port Harcourt, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, emphasized the importance of capacity building for Police Officers, stressing the need for continuous training and development for the officers to stay abreast of emerging trends and best practices in law enforcement.
Adepoju noted the police have been having lectures like this from time to time as directed by the Inspector General of Poliice, and urge the police officers to turn out in their numbers in order to gain from the training.
“There is nothing as good as building our capacity to ensure we deliver service to mankind and let Rivers be a difference to others.
“We have people who have the capacity that can deliver and they are here with us, and we will not hesitate to ensure we employ and use them. Whatever we have learnt here, jot it down and ensure you use it judiciously”, the VP urged.
Also speaking, the  Chairperson of FIDA Rivers State, Life Jim-George, stressed that the paralegal training offers the opportunity for retired Police officers, desk officers, and different divisions in charge of gender-based crime to assemble to educate and be educated on how to handle gender violence, the abused public, and how to deal with reporters of all kinds of Gender-Based Violence.
She said, “They need to be empathetic, they need not to judge them as they move into them. They need not to throw them away immediately, or to make the atmosphere very toxic, a situation whoch will make them go away, or be exposed to extortion, which will make them feel that Police is your friend is only in the book.
“We remind you all that you are not just Police officers, here is a duty imposed on you to look at the laws. Not just to drive people away because we have reports where once you approach a Police station and say my husband or wife beat me up, they drive you away, saying this one is husband and wife matter, go and settle with your husband or wife.They began to judge you.
“We are saying no, that is not what the law is. Please show empathy. If you throw them away like that, most of them can take their life. Some go into third degree depression and it becomes difficult to  bring them out. They will now began to blame themselves for going to the Police station.”
In his speech, the Chairman of PCRC in the State, Mr. Voke Emore, explained that one  primary responsibility of the PCRC is to bring the community closer to the Police, while FIDA, as an international organization, cares for the less privilege and  handle cases involving women and children.
“The police only protect women and children in talking of gender abuse in the society, rather than taking the issue of gender violence as wholistic that includes men, women and children in every strata of the society.
“So, that is why the two humanitarian organisations, FIDA and PCRC, decided to partner to ensure that the things are done rightly in line with global practices.
“And the only way to do that is to provide training. We always talk about training and re-training of Police officers”, the PCRC boss stated.
The training focused on key areas such as “The Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) of Rivers State”, “Dehumanizing and Harmful Traditional Practices Laws”, “Prohibition of the Curtailment of Women’s Rights to Share in Family Property Law”, and “Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law.”
Akujobi Amadi
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