Rivers

‘Ogoni Specialist Hospital To Lessen UPTH’s Medical

Published

3 years ago

May 1, 2023

The Project Coordinator of Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), Dr. Ferdinand Giadom, says the Ogoni Specialist Hospital, when completed, will serve three States in the Niger Delta region: Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River.
This, he said, will help to lessen the medical burden and pressure currently faced by the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH).
Giadom, who dropped the hint in his remarks during the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of three critical projects in Ogoniland by President Muhammadu Buhari at Wiiyaakara Community in Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State last Friday, said since the three States have no Federal Medical Centre, the Ogoni Specialist Hospital could be adopted as one, as it is “strategically located in an epicentral position for the three States”.
He said the UPTH, located in Rivers State, is the only federal tertiary institution with an overload of patient burden on available facilities, thus, making it expedient for the establishment of another, and in a different Senatorial District, to actually take off pressure on UPTH.
Giadom further noted that one of the findings from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the fact that “Ogoni residents are exposed to contaminants of concern that are carcinogenic in nature”.
He noted that the Ogoni Specialist Hospital would greatly assuage the incidence of emergent cancer cases among people in Ogoniland and other parts of the Niger Delta, who would access medical care in the facility upon completion.
According to him, the other two projects, the Ogoni power project and the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration, would boost and expand the frontiers of knowledge in environmental remediation, and also catalyse socio-economic development of Ogoniland.
Giadom said inaugurating the three projects has etched President Buhari’s name in gold and also proven his abiding love and commitment to the Ogoni people and their development.
He stated further that the groundbreaking ceremony for the three projects is ostensibly one of the highpoints of the Buhari administration, especially as they are to address the age long agitation of the people of the Niger Delta.
On his part, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Ogoni Trust Fund, HYPREP, Dr. Michael Nwielaghi, in his goodwill message said the board members have made commitment to prudent management of funds for the clean-up exercise and other projects, while ensuring timely release for the smooth operations of HYPREP.
“We seek to run a transparent financial system that always takes into cognizance the interest of Ogoni people”, Nwielaghi said.
He appealed for more funds to bolster HYPREP’s activities considering the global rise in inflation rate, “either as the ones we can directly solicit from donors, or as additional releases to the initial $1billion by the Joint Venture Partners”.
This, he said, “will augment for whatever shortfalls inflationary trends have caused, and enable HYPREP to deliver more services to the people”.
The Supreme Council of Ogoni Traditional Rulers, in appreciation of all that the Buhari administration has done for the Ogoni people within the past eight years conferred a chieftaincy title of ‘Mighty Eagle’ on President Buhari at the event.
They also presented special awards of honour to the Minister of Environment, Barrister Mohammed Abdullahi, and the Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Dr. Ferdinand Giadom.

By: Donatus Ebi

Rivers

2026 Boy Child Day: Association Seeks Intentional Mentoring

Published

2 days ago

May 18, 2026

The Tide

As the world marked the 2026 International Day of the Boy Child last Saturday, the Rivers Secondary Schools Old Boys and Girls 1983 Set Association has called for deliberate investment in raising boys who will become responsible heads of homes.

In a press release signed and issued by the Secretary-General of the Association, Dr. Ibinabo Ogolo, to commemorate the day, the Association said the future stability of Nigerian families depends on how intentionally boys are raised and guided.

Speaking on behalf of the Set, President of the Association, Barrister Tubokomba Mcdonald Harry, she said the theme of this year’s global celebration, “Boys to Men: Adopting Good Habits and Attitudes”, must move beyond slogans to daily practice in homes, schools, and communities.

“For years, advocacy has rightly centered on the girl child. That work must continue. But we cannot ignore the other side”, Barrister Harry stated.

“A boy who grows up without guidance, emotional literacy, and responsibility often becomes a man who struggles to lead, provide, and protect. If we want stable homes in 2040, we must invest in boys now”, he said.

He emphasized that being “head of the home” is about stewardship, not power: “The man who leads a home well is emotionally responsible, financially disciplined, morally upright, and a true partner to his spouse. These qualities are learned from childhood, through what boys see, hear, and practice.”

The Association noted that many boys currently learn manhood by default from peers, social media, and entertainment that equate masculinity with aggression and silence about pain.

To change this, the 1983 Set urged fathers and mentors to be present and active, schools to integrate life skills such as conflict resolution and financial literacy, and communities and faith groups to establish mentorship programmes where older men guide younger ones.

The press release also linked the issue to Africa’s wider goals, noting that the 2026 Day of the African Child focuses on water, sanitation, and hygiene.

“A boy trained to solve real problems becomes a man who ensures dignity for his family and community”, Harry said.

The Association concluded with a call to mothers, fathers, and boys themselves to take ownership of the task of raising responsible future leaders.

International Day of the Boy Child is observed globally on May 16. It is a day that focuses on the well-being, mental health and positive development of boys.

Rivers

Ogoni Landlords Seek Inclusion In Planned Oil Resumption Process

Published

2 days ago

May 18, 2026

The Tide

Flemotongha Miebi/Fortune Wokeh/Akpos David/Esuuk Oyet/Edughom Suotor

Landlords in Ogoni, under the aegis of Gokana,Tai, Eleme, and Khana United Landlords Association (GOTEKA) have called for inclusion in the ongoing negotiation over the planned resumption of oil production in Ogoniland.

The landlords,who made the call during its formal inauguration recently in Port Harcourt, also called for proper compensation, clear legal agreements, and inclusive dialogues in the entire process

Chairman of the Association, Professor George Ema, said any resumption of oil exploration in ogoniland without proper consultation with host communities and land owners will be resisted.

George said, while the association expressed support for the planned return of oil activities in ogoniland under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, key historical issues must be addressed to avoid a repeat of earlier conflicts that led to the suspension of oil operations in the area.

According to GOTEKA, past disagreements between oil companies, political leaders, and host communities caused crises, court cases, and long-term disruption of oil production in Ogoni land, adding that these problems were responsible for the high level of poverty warranted by economic stagnation, social unrest, pipeline vandalism, and many legal battles in the area.

The landlords also referenced the struggles led by late environmental activist, Ken Saro-Wiwa, and the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP), which opposed Shell’s activities in Ogoni land, resulting in years of unrest and court cases.

They stressed that the renewed plan for oil exploration must be guided by proper Memoranda of Understanding (MOU), fair compensation, and the direct involvement of landlords in negotiations to prevent cheating and conflict.

The group also raised concern over what they described as a repeated “divide and rule” approach in handling oil compensation in Ogoni. They said there is a lack of proper MOUs between oil companies and landlords, while compensation often goes to political leaders and traditional rulers instead of the real landowners.

GOTEKA added that land in Ogoni is owned by individuals and families, not the entire community.

According to the group, “under traditional land rules, owners have full rights over their land and can decide how it is used, including selling or leasing it. So, there must be proper agreement spelt out in the MOU, which must be signed by all the parties involved to avoid legal battles.

The group urged government, oil companies, and political leaders to respect traditional land ownership and adopt honest dialogue and peaceful negotiation in resolving issues.

Rivers

Police Warn Rivers Students Against Cultism, Drug Abuse

Published

2 days ago

May 18, 2026

The Tide

The Divisional Crime Officer (DCO) of Rumuodomaya Police Station, CSP Dindara Dadamu, has warned students in Rivers State against involvement in cultism and other criminal activities, stressing that such acts could lead to imprisonment and destruction of their future.

He gave the warning recently during an anti-cultism and drug abuse sensitisation programme organised by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) at Den-Bec Group of Schools in Port Harcourt.

Dadamu stated that the law does not exempt minors from punishment, noting that children from the age of 12 could still be prosecuted for criminal offences.

According to him, many young people are lured into cultism through peer pressure and bad company. He urged the students to be mindful of the friends they associate with.

The DCO stressed that ignorance of the law would not protect anyone from facing the consequences of unlawful conduct.

Also speaking, a representative of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mr. Ejiofor Ifeanyi, described cultism and drug abuse as destructive habits capable of ruining academic ambitions and promising careers.

He advised the students to avoid negative influences and remain focused on their education and personal development.

A mental health expert, Mr. Victor Akeni, noted that cultism and illicit drug use contribute significantly to emotional instability, fear and poor academic performance among youths.

He explained that cult members often live under constant fear of attacks and reprisals, making it difficult for them to concentrate on their studies or live peacefully.

The sensitisation programme brought together security agencies, mental health professionals, teachers and students as part of efforts to discourage social vices among young people.

The Managing Director of NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, who spoke through a representative, Mrs. Anna West, encouraged the students to take advantage of opportunities provided through education and technology rather than engaging in unlawful activities.

Ogbuku also warned that cultism and drug abuse could result in imprisonment, violence and untimely death, and urged the students to embrace discipline, hard work and positive values.

By: King Onunwor