Niger Delta
Diri Unveils Road, School Projects

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has inaugurated a newly built internal road and a secondary school in Obogoro community in Yenagoa council area of the state.
Speaking during the inauguration of the projects, the Governor recalled how pathetic the road and school were during his previous visit to the area, a condition he said necessitated the decision of the government to embark on the projects.
A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, quoted the governor as saying his administration will continue to deliver on its promises to bring development to the people of the state, just as he commended the paramount ruler and people of the community for their support to government and ensuring that the projects were hitch-free, saying that such support will be rewarded with more projects.
The state’s helmsman also stated that the erosion control project in the community has commenced, assuring that the government will ensure it is completed to specifications.
Diri expressed the optimism that by the time the project is completed, the issue of erosion would be a thing of the past in the community.
Inaugurating the new classroom block at the Community Secondary School, Obogoro, theBayelsa state chief executive described education as the best legacy any government can bequeath to the younger generation.
He assured that his administration was committed to development of the education sector, just as he directed the Commissioner for Education to ensure that another classroom block, a science and laboratory block as well as perimeter fencing were constructed and also engage security guards to stem insecurity in the area.
“I thank God that we are here to rejoice over the inauguration of this road and school. I commend the community for its support to government. When you support government as a community, you will get more development. We call on every other community to be friendly. So far, all communities where roads have been constructed have been supportive. We will build more roads that we can use at all seasons.
“We are also going to deliver on the erosion control project. We have already mobilised the contractor to start the project and we are very sure that the erosion menacd that has been eating our land will soon become a thing of the past.We also thank God for bringing us here to inaugurate another project. We all know the importance of education. For us, it is education and more education. Education is the only legacy we can leave for our children”, Governor Diri said.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure,MosesTeibowei, said the 350-metre single carriage road was a foot path that was difficult to access by the students and the people of the community.
The Commissioner said the government has so far completed 22 internal roads within the Yenagoa metropolis and assured that more would be done within and outside the state capital to make life easy for people of the state.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Education, Gentle Emelah, said Governor Diri’s Prosperity Administration placed a high premium on education due to its crucial role in the development of any society.
Presenting a goodwill message on behalf of the Obogoro community, the Paramount Ruler, Chief Monday Igodo, expressed appreciation to government for the projects and pledged the continuous support of the people.
Present at the event were the Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Abraham Ingobere, member representing Yenagoa Constituency I in the House of Assembly, OforjiOboku, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. PabaraIgwele, his Information, Orientation and Strategy counterpart, Mr. AyibainaDuba as well as other government functionaries.
By: AriweraIbibo-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.