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Ariolu Charges Communities On Safeguarding, Maintenance Of Govt Amenities
The Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Barrister George Ariolu, has said that communities should cultivate the culture of proper safeguard and maintenance of amenities provided by government to ease the standard of living of people.
He urged traditional rulers, youth leaders and residents to ensure they guard these amenities jealously to promote effective and efficient usage.
Ariolu gave this charge at the Council Headquarters, Rumuodomaya while presenting transformers to Rumuekini, Mgbuoba and Choba communities, respectively, last Thursday.
The chairman said that the procurement of the 500KVA transformers would improve the quality of living and ease of doing business amongst residents and business operators in line with his administration’s vision.
Ariolu, who urged traditional rulers to spearhead campaign for peaceful coexistence in their various domains, called on them to continue to support the programmes and policies of the council to improve welfare of residents.
He also advised them to encourage business operators within their domain to pay up their taxes and levies to the council.
Ariolu added that the taxes would assist the council in generating funds to boost development in the area.
“You requested for transformers and we’re here to fulfil the requests, although we have other projects and programs we’re carrying out but this is in line with our administration’s focal thrust, to serve the people to the best of our ability and to do things that have direct impact on the people.
“As we present these transformers to you, they become your personal property. We admonish that you take care of these properties. If you protect it well, it will last longer. I urge you to support the programs of governance by continuing to maintain peace within your domain because without peace, there is no development.
“Encourage people who do businesses in your domains to pay their taxes and levies to the council, that way….we can generate funds to accomplish other projects for the benefit of the people.
“Come to the council to pay your taxes, the council gate is always open, avoid paying to illegitimate source. Even if demand notice is served to you, you have the right to come to the council and enquire if they are legitimate”.
Speaking further, Ariolu further encouraged the visitors to defend and uphold the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, describing him as a worthy Son who has projected Ikwerre Ethnic Nationality to the highest level.
According to Ariolu, who conducted the traditional rulers round ongoing construction sites in the council, “no governor has initiated new projects in his second tenure except the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike.”
On his part, Paramount Ruler of Choba Community, Eze Raymond Webilor Okocha, described Ariolu as a man in a class of his own, adding that his administration was unparalleled and unrivalled.
He said, “For every issue and complaint made in the LGA, you have attended to them promptly. You have left nothing behind. As traditional rulers, we are saying that you are second to none.”
“The transformer is to help our people and we will look after it. You’re making your personal appraisal and we’re proud of you,” he added.
By: Nelson Chukwudi
The Organised Labour yesterday, called on the Federal Government to ensure inclusiveness in policy making and guide against erosion of rights, such as free speech and association.
The President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Joe Ajaero made the call at the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration held at the Eagle’s Square, Abuja.
The Tide source reports Ajaero and the President, Trade Union Congress, Mr Festus Osifo delivered a joint statement on behalf of the organised labour at the event.
Ajaero described May Day as, not only a moment to honour workers’ sacrifices, but also a platform to demand justice and accountability from those in public office.
He frowned at the alleged suppression of protests, and the erosion of rights of workers by some agents
According to him, workers have a duty to resist economic injustice, insecurity, and policies that undermine their dignity.
Speaking on the theme of the day, the NLC President underscored the need for Nigerian workers to reclaim the civic space and resist policies that contribute to worsening economic conditions.
“Our theme this year – “Reclaiming the Civic Space in the midst of Economic Hardship – reflects the urgent need for citizens to protect democracy and push back against repression.
“The civic space, where Nigerians express their concerns and challenge injustices is shrinking.
“If we fail to reclaim this space, the foundation of our democracy risks collapse,” he said
Ajaero, therefore, urged workers to unite and resist division, fear, and despair.
He also urged them to mobilise and organise for change, declaring that the right to demand better conditions is non-negotiable.
“Without workers, there is no society; without labour, there is no development. We must take our place in the fight for economic justice and democratic governance.”
Speaking in the same veins, Osifo said workers are the backbone of the nation—the educators, healthcare providers, builders, farmers, and innovators who sustain its economy -.
He stressed the need for the labour to reclaim the civic space even in the midst of economic hardship.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has disassociated itself from a fraudulent site requesting payments from candidates who missed the ongoing 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The board said that the site, “Copyrightwriter Personal J Rescheduling Flw” and account number 8520641017 at Sterling Bank, associated with it, are scam.
The disclaimer is contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday by the Board’s Public Communication Advisor, Dr Fabian Benjamin.
Benjamin said the account is being exploited to defraud unsuspecting candidates who missed their UTME.
“We issue this urgent notice to inform the public about this nefarious scheme targeting candidates who were unable to participate in the UTME.
“Some unscrupulous individuals are deceitfully soliciting payments of N15,700 under the false pretence of offering rescheduling services for the examination.
“Let us be unequivocal: this, it is a blatant scam, and we are confident that the public will not fall prey to such cheap and regressive tactics.
” The individuals behind this scam have no affiliation with JAMB or any legitimate government agency.
“The account details provided in these communications are entirely fictitious and bear no connection to any official processes; they exist solely for the purpose of perpetrating fraud,” he said.
Benjamin called on Sterling bank to take immediate and decisive action against this criminal activity.
According to him, JAMB has reported the matter to the relevant security agencies and actively pursuing those responsible for this deceitful act.
He further said that “JAMB does not reschedule examinations for candidates who miss their scheduled tests due to reasons unrelated to the Board’s actions”.
He, however, said that the Board is conducting a thorough investigation for candidates whose biometrics failed during verification and were thus unable to sit for the examination.
He said those without discrepancies would be invited to retake the examination at no cost , stressing that “no cost is required”
“It is imperative to understand that JAMB does not charge any fees for examinations after a candidate has completed their registration.
“We strongly urge all candidates to remain vigilant and not to succumb to these fraudulent schemes.
“Protect yourselves and report any suspicious activity immediately,” he explained.
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has expressed its willingness to partner with the United Nations (UN) to accelerate the development of the Niger Delta region.
Dr Samual Ogbuku, Managing Director of the NDDC, made the appeal in a statement issued by the commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mrs Seledi Thompson-Wakama, in Port Harcourt on yesterday.
According to the statement, Ogbuku sought the UN’s support during his visit to the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator (UNRHC), Mr Mohammed Fall, at the UN regional office in Abuja.
He called on the global body to provide the NDDC with technical assistance and expert services to support the region’s development.
“We are eager to collaborate with the UN, recognising that the state governments in the region and the NDDC alone cannot achieve the level of regional development required,” he said.
Ogbuku identified key areas where support would be needed, including the provision of portable and affordable drinking water powered by high-tech solar energy sources.
He also highlighted the importance of reforesting the mangrove swamps, which have been severely damaged by decades of environmental degradation caused by oil exploration in the Niger Delta.
“Although the NDDC has made progress in providing solar-powered streetlights across the region, we still require UN support in delivering solar energy solutions for residential buildings.
“We also wish to explore the possibility of installing solar mini-grids in homes across communities, which would boost local commerce and trade,” he added.
The NDDC managing director further appealed for increased UN involvement in areas such as healthcare, education, youth training, gender development, and food security.
Ogunku stated that such interventions would significantly enhance the standard of living in the region.
In response, Fall affirmed the UN’s readiness to collaborate with the NDDC to fast track development in the Niger Delta.
He assured that the UN would support initiatives in food security, job creation, education, and renewable energy, among other areas.
“We aim to approach development in the Niger Delta holistically, rather than focusing solely on environmental pollution.
“This is merely an entry point; however, the UN’s development vision aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are designed to positively impact various aspects of people’s lives,” Fall stated.
He assured the NDDC of continued and fruitful engagements to drive the region’s development.