Rivers

Oyigbo OSPAC Recruits More Members …Applauds Council Chairman For Support

Published

2 years ago

October 30, 2023

Oyigbo local vigilante outfit christened OSPAC, has embarked on recruitment and training of its members.
Addressing journalists in his office at Oyigbo on Saturday, the General Commander of Oyigbo OSPAC and other local security outfits, DSP Isaiah Emetanjo said the gesture was geared towards injecting refined and able-bodied men and women who are eager to combat crime in the area.
Emetanjo, however, showered encomiums on the Chairman of Oyigbo Local Government Council, Hon Okechukwu Akara for making available the necessary provisions for the outfit to carry out its work effectively and efficiently.
He explained that the body appreciates the chairman for his untiring efforts in making the council and its environs safe for the residents of the area.
He noted that the council chairman deserves commendation for taking the bold step at ensuring that lives and property of his people are protected, a gesture which he said remains the primary duty of a responsible government.
“The chairman in his magnanimity approved the training of OSPAC members, recruitment of more members to sanitise the area amidst prompt payment of its personnel. This is highly commendable. It goes to show his passion and zeal at protecting his people. Today, Oyigbo people can attest to the fact that the council chairman means well for them. As you can see, the conventional security agencies are not left out. The chairman we have now has been able to provide them logistics to carry out their mandate which is the peace everyone is enjoying today. The chairman has demonstrated his capacity and readiness to provide to the local people real governance and the people are happy with him. In all parts of Oyigbo, people can move freely without any threat of insecurity. Businesses are booming and women investors are utilising the opportunity. The citizenry are heaving a sigh of relief which is the hallmark of leadership. We are preparing to unveil the new recruits as it will boost the security architecture of the area especially during the ember months. We are on top of the gear to secure lives and property and ensure Oyigbo is safe,” he declared
The Oyigbo OSPAC commander further implored well-meaning individuals and corporate bodies to support the chairman in his bid to rid the area of crime.
He said the business of security should concern everyone, hence, the need to contribute in the areas of infrastructure, logistics and others.
Similarly, Rivers State Hawk Commander, SP Amusiu Isah, says the command is doing its best in the fight against crime.
SP Isah, however said the mopping up of crime remains his command’s sole responsibility which has been a collaborative effort with sister agencies.
Isah warned those involved in crime to desist or face the full weight of the law as crime does not pay.
As part of measures to enhance security expertise, ,he said the new recruits will also be trained by a team from all the security apparatus including the Nigeria Police Force; the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC); the Department of State Services (DSS); and other security outfits.

Rivers

Motor Spare Parts, Industrial Generators Dealers’ Union Swears Gets New Chairman in Port Harcourt

Published

2 days ago

July 18, 2025

The Tide

The Owhonda Dickson Motor Spare Parts and Industrial Generators Dealers’ Union operating in Ikoku Port Harcourt, Rivers state has sworn in Mr. Cyril Igbokwe, popularly known as Onyeoma Cy, as its new Chairman.

The brief swearing _in ceremony was held at the union office in Port Harcourt, last Wednesday

In his acceptance speech, Mr. Igbokwe expressed gratitude for the trust and confidence his members had shown in him, despite his perceived educational background compared to others. , “I feel very happy to be the chairman of this great union in this great market. I’m proud of my executives for demonstrating commitment and cooperation.” Notably, the executives raised over ?1 million for the inauguration ceremony within an hour.

The new Chairman promised to tackle key challenges facing the union, including security and indiscipline. He vowed to follow in the footsteps of his predecessor, who he praised for excellent performance, and aimed to possibly do better.

Mr. Igbokwe emphasized maintaining a robust relationship with the host community and conducting his affairs within the ambit of the law.

In his remarks,the Electoral Committee Chairman’, Igwe Amobichukwu Eze Okorie, assured that the elections were conducted in a free, fair, and credible manner. Despite facing challenges such as non-compliance with guidelines and unfounded propaganda campaigns, no formal protest letters had been received.

Also speaking, the Women’s Leader, Lolo Nkechinyere Okolie, expressed faith in the new Chairman, citing his integrity and experience. She highlighted her role in ensuring women’s voices are counted in the union and vouched for the credibility of the election, noting that Mr. Igbokwe was the popular choice among members.

Rivers

CDS Urges Communities To Protect Pipelines

Published

2 days ago

July 18, 2025

The Tide

The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, has urged Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) host communities to protect national assets located within their areas.

Musa made the appeal at a monthly stakeholders’ meeting organised by Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) in Port Harcourt.

Represented by Navy Capt. Lassie Ozovehe, he said the effects of oil bunkering and pipeline vandalism were mostly borne by the host communities themselves.

He noted that the environmental and health risks from pipeline damage affect locals more than the oil companies operating in the region.

“These assets are on your land. You benefit from them, so you must protect them and safeguard yourselves from the hazards”, he said.

He praised PINL for its consistent efforts in securing the assets, particularly its record of zero infractions on the Trans Niger pipelines.

Earlier, Dr. Akpos Mezeh, PINL’s Community Relations Consultant, urged host communities to collaborate in tackling security challenges in the Niger Delta.

Mezeh said PINL had expanded its mandate to include the security of all oil and gas infrastructure in the Eastern Corridor, including gas pipelines.

He explained that the meeting aimed to reduce pipeline vandalism and oil theft, which have major economic consequences for the country.

He stated that PINL had seen near-zero incidents over the past month, crediting host community cooperation for the achievement.

He, however, identified ongoing issues such as poor information sharing, threats to surveillance guards, stakeholder collusion, and leadership disputes.

A keynote speaker, Mr. Otoyo Sunday, discussed the serious health effects of gas flaring in the Niger Delta region.

He urged people to view the environment as living, warning that harmful activities have long-term consequences for people and nature.

Sunday condemned gas flaring caused by well testing, pressure releases, and illegal refining activities.

On his part, Chairman of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Eastern Zone, Mr. Datolu Sokubo, called for a balanced focus on security and human development.

“You can’t protect pipelines without addressing people’s welfare. Without our cooperation, infrastructure is never truly secure”, he said.

He urged the Federal Government to prioritise development, especially in education and healthcare, across the region.

The Traditional Ruler of Ekpeye Land, Eze Kelvin Anugwu, called on oil companies to end gas flaring immediately.

Represented by Dr. Patricia Ogbonnaya, he urged PINL to raise awareness of the health and environmental concerns of the communities.

“We keep advising our youths against bunkering. But oil firms must take responsibility for the long-term effects of their operations”, he stated.

Other traditional leaders at the meeting requested improved welfare for surveillance workers, chiefs, and communities to maintain stability and protect oil infrastructure.

Theresa Frederick & Charity Amiso

Rivers

Monarch Cautions Youths Against Illicit Drug Consumption

Published

2 days ago

July 18, 2025

The Tide

The Eze Igbu Orlukwor II, Eze Ehie II, HRH Eze Prince Ike Ehie, has cautioned youths in his kingdom and Ekpeye at large on the need to abstain from illicit drugs consumption.

Ehie said this recently while fielding questions from newsmen in commemoration of the 2025 World Drug Abuse Day at his liaison office, Ahoada.

He emphasized that drug abuse was dangerous to the body system as it had harmed many physically, mentally and otherwise.

The Monarch noted that people should always take ‘drugs’ based on prescription by qualified medical and health personnel.

He said youths’ alleged disrespect for constituted authorities, mental challenge and various types of illnesses can be linked to the consumption of illicit drugs.

The Royal Father further noted that except government agencies saddled with the requisite responsibilities synergized with traditional institutions and other like-minded organizations, much may not be achieved against the campaign and fight against illicit drug consumption.

According to him, most youths today can do nothing without taking hard drugs, which he said makes them ‘high’ and hyper elated.

The Orlukwor Monarch wondered how the youths would take over the mantle of leadership at both communities and federal levels with such uncultured behaviour and repugnant attitudes.

The World Day of Drug Abuse, was tagged, “Breaking The Chains, Prevention, Treatment And Recovery For All”.

King Onunwor