Niger Delta
Diri Set To Link More Communities By Roads …As Makinde Inaugurates Igbedi Road Project

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has promised that his administration will construct more roads to link communities in the state.
Diri spoke yesterday as his Oyo State counterpart, Engr. Seyi Makinde, inaugurated the 4.5km Igbedi community road in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area as part of activities marking his second anniversary in office.
The governor in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Daniel Alabrah, described the Igbedi road as historic as it was the only community in Kolokuma/Opokuma that hitherto was not connected by road.
The state’s helmsman lauded the people of Igbedi for owning the project and protecting it and called on other communities to emulate them.
While expressing gratitude to Governor Makinde for honouring his invitation, Diri also commended the construction company, Paache Limited, for the timely construction of the project despite the challenges it encountered.
“Today is a historic day for Igbedi community, KOLGA and the state. Igbedi was part of the communities that contributed land to build the airport. While other communities have been accessible by road, Igbedi was looking for this day and God has brought it to pass. We like to thank God who has given the administration the funds and will to construct this road. We pray for more money and we will construct more roads to link our communities”, he said
“I thank my brother-governor for coming to honour us. We appreciate you and the people of Oyo State. Let me also appreciate the contractors, Paache. Each time I visited this site, I saw them committed to their job inspite of the security challenges they faced.
“Let me also appreciate the Igbedi community. They took this job as their own and never allowed anybody to obstruct construction. That is what I expect from other communities”, Governor Diri added.
Makinde, in his remarks, lauded the performance of his Bayelsa counterpart in just two years in office.
He said roads were crucial to development of any society and described as heartwarming the fact that it is the first tarred road linking the community to the rest of the world since its existence for about 500 years.
Makinde noted that it would boost the economy of the people and usher in development.
The Oyo helmsman further stated that for governors of the Peoples Democratic party (PDP), infrastructure development was a priority and assured that they will not relent.
While thanking Diri for giving him the opportunity to be part of the history of the road inauguration, he urged the people of the state to support him for a second tenure to enjoy more development.
His words: “We cannot stop Nigerians from celebrating road projects because wherever there is road, development follows. I was amazed to learn that this is the first tarred road that links the community since its inception about 500 years ago. Your celebration is in order and I am happy too”.
“This is not just a road. It means more money in your pockets. This road will encourage transportation of goods and boost other economic activities.
“As PDP governors, we must continue to prioritise infrastructure development. Indeed, it has been two years of development in Bayelsa State and I hope you will support your governor for a second tenure.”
In a welcome address, the Commissioner for Works, Surveyor Moses Teibowei, said the conceptualisation and completion of this road was borne out of a desire of Diri the government to develop the state, saying the duration of the project was one year.
In their separate remarks, member representing Kolokuma/ Opokuma Constituency 2 in the House of Assembly, Wisdom Fafi, and the Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Iselema Gbaranbiri, both lauded the governor for the road project, saying the people of Igbedi will forever be grateful to him.
By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa
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.
Niger Delta
EFCC Praises NDDC’S Performance … Unveils Projects In Bayelsa
-
Niger Delta2 days ago
Monarch Hails Diri’s Developmental Strides … Alleges Neglect By Oil Firm
-
Politics2 days ago
Presidency Slams El-Rufai Over Tinubu Criticism …Says He Suffers From Small Man Syndrome
-
Entertainment3 days ago
World Music Day: Alliance Française Port Harcourt Showcases Talents
-
Business2 days ago
Ministry, Firm Sign Pact To Boost Digital Trade
-
Sports2 days ago
Ajunwa Blames Poor Leadership For Athletes’ Exodus
-
Business2 days ago
NSC, Police Boost Partnership On Port Enforcement
-
Niger Delta2 days ago
PDP Chieftain Faults A’Ibom Gov’s Defection To APC
-
Politics2 days ago
10 NWC Members Oppose Damagum Over National Secretary’s Reinstatement