Rivers

NBA Women Forum Visits Solicitor-General, Commends Fubara Over Appointment

Published

1 year ago

April 15, 2024

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Women Forum led by the Rivers State Lead, Dr. Glory OmonighoOzuru, has commended the Governor of Rivers State, Sir SiminialayiFubara for appointing a seasoned administrator in the person of Mrs Ibiwari Charity Clapton-Ogolo as the Solicitor-General of the State.
This was during a courtesy visit of the forum to the Rivers State Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice.
The State Lead was accompanied by some national and state officers of the forum and other distinguished female lawyers, among whom are Mrs Irene IniPepple ( General Secretary); Mrs. UgwochiAgala ( Head, Membership Committee); Dr Grace Ajaegbo ( Head, Public Sector Committee); Barbara Abayomi( Deputy Head, Young Lawyers Committee); Mrs Lauretta Nwokaeze( Facilitator, NBA Ahoada ); and Dr. RosebellUviovo, amongst others.
She observed that Mrs Clapton-Ogolo has served the State in various other capacities over the years, and as a result, has garnered a lot of experience and expertise to be fit for the office of the Solicitor-General of Rivers State. She went on to state that this, no doubt, is the reason for her excellent performance within the few months of her appointment.
The State Lead congratulated the learned Solicitor-General and thanked her for impacting so much on the welfare of Law Officers of the Ministry of Justice within a few months in office.
Dr. Ozuru further highlighted the objectives of the NBA Women Forum, which is a constitutional creation of the NBA to oversee and empower female lawyers for success in the legal profession. She also sought collaboration with the Ministry of Justice in the activities of the forum and expressed the willingness of the forum to work with the Ministry of Justice for the mutual goals of empowerment and inclusiveness of female lawyers in the profession.
The Solicitor-General, while warmly receiving the forum, expressed her delight at the visiting team, which she said was made up of intellectuals and accomplished female lawyers.
She expressed delight in the forum’s choice of leadership as evident in the team. The learned Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary expressed her love for excellence and advised female lawyers to choose the best brains among them to represent them in leadership positions whenever the opportunity arises.
She reiterated that learning and hard work are the flagships in building personal capacity if one must impact positively on society.
The highlights of the visit were the presentation of a plaque to Mrs. Clapton-Ogolo by the State Lead, as part of activities marking the International Women’s Day celebration in the month of March; and the conferment of the status of an Honorary member of the NBA Women Forum on her. She was thereafter decorated with the forum’s paraphernalia (a pink rose and pink customised scarf) by the General Secretary of the forum, Mrs. Irene Pepple, representing the Chairperson of the NBA Women Forum, Mrs Chinyere Okorocha.
Also present was Mrs Cordelia Uwuma Eke, a Director in the Rivers State Ministry of Justice, a mentor of the forum and former Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association, Port Harcourt Branch, Mrs. Eke, who also facilitated the visit, applauded the forum for this great initiative.

Rivers

Expert Demands Full Implementation Of PIA In N’Delta Oil Communities

Published

5 hours ago

May 12, 2025

The Tide

An expert in Natural Resource Governance, Dr. Mike Uzoigwe, has called for the full implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) for the development of oil communities in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria.

Uzoigwe made the appeal during a training for community representatives under the Host Community Development Trust (HCDT), held in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.

He noted that five years after the PIA was enacted, funding under the HCDT framework for member communities had yet to be fully implemented.

He attributed the slow pace of implementation to oil companies’ failure to remit funds, ongoing litigations, internal community disputes, and regulatory challenges, among other factors.

According to him, these challenges have made it difficult to properly assess the effectiveness of HCDT implementation in host communities.

Uzoigwe also expressed concern that several communities were yet to establish HCDTs, which are essential for accessing funds designated for local development.

“Fortunately, there are communities that have successfully leveraged the HCDT to advance development in their localities.

“However, we want every host community to access these funds to accelerate development in their respective areas and contribute to the broader transformation of the Niger Delta”, he stated.

Uzoigwe urged host communities to familiarise themselves with the provisions and regulations of the PIA to enable them to fully benefit from the Act.

Also speaking, the Executive Director of Kebetkache Development and Resource Centre, Dr. Emem Okon, explained that the training was organised for HCDT communities in Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, Imo, and Rivers States.

According to her, the objective of the training was to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand the PIA’s provisions, conduct needs assessments and undertake community development planning.

“We examined how the HCDT can be made effective and efficient in utilising the three per cent operational cost allocation for community development projects, as stipulated in the PIA.

“This allocation is structured as follows: 75 per cent for project execution, 20 per cent for savings, and five per cent for administrative costs.

“HCDT members are responsible for identifying and prioritising community needs through a transparent, sincere, and people-centred decision-making process in managing these funds”, Okon explained.

She encouraged host communities to engage actively with various stakeholders, including women, youth, farmers, and community leaders, to identify development projects that reflect the genuine needs of their communities.

Rivers

Opobo/Nkoro SOLAD Pledges To Prioritise Workers’ Welfare

Published

5 hours ago

May 12, 2025

The Tide

The Sole Administrator of Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area of Rivers State, Mr. Frederick Apiafi, says he will run an all-inclusive government for the betterment of the local government.

He stated that his priority is workers’ welfare in all ramifications and the good people of the area.

Apiafi stated this recently while addressing workers at the council’s headquarters in Opobo, saying that his direct mandate is to ensure that the existing peace is sustained.

According to him, he is a technocrat, hence he will carry out his functions accordingly.

“Thank you all for welcoming me as your administrator. My mandate here is to ensure that you, workers, are well treated, with your salaries paid promptly, and give you what you deserve.

“You all are my brothers, sisters and friends. I know that together we can take this local government to an enviable height. What I need from you is cooperation.

“I solicit for your support to enable us all succeed because I alone cannot achieve the desired development”, he urged.

The administrator used the forum to thank the Sole Administrator of the State, Vice – Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.) for giving him the opportunity to serve his people and pledged that he will not disappoint him in any aspect, while promising to discharge his duties in strict compliance to the charge of the Sole Administrator.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) in the LGA, Comrade Diri Dandison, commended the administrator for placing workers’ welfare top on his list.

According to him, what workers want in the LGA is someone who can give them listening ears, and also give them what they deserve.

“I am happy that Mr. Fredrick Apiafi has placed welfare of workers first, but we pray he fullfills his promises. What we want is for people at the grassroots to also enjoy dividends of governance”, he said.

By: Theresa Frederick, Charity Amiso

Rivers

Navy Saves 99 Persons From Drowning In Rivers

Published

5 hours ago

May 12, 2025

The Tide

The Nigerian Navy Rescue Team from Nigerian Navy Ship PATHFINDER have saved 99 persons from drowning in Rivers State during an operation.

A statement by the Director of Naval Information, Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, in Port Harcourt, said the incident occurred when a barge, ADAM (Damen Buba) was involved in a head-on collision with a market boat en route Akuku Toru Local Government Area in Rivers State, resulting in significant structural damage to the market boat.

He said the Nigerian Navy Ship PATHFINDER personnel deployed to Naval Security Station 035 in collaboration with four other Navy Gunboats launched a coordinated and effective search and rescue operation, saving all 99 passengers onboard.

According to him, most of the passengers’ goods were also salvaged successfully.

“The timely intervention and prompt response of Nigerian Navy personnel ensured that no lives were lost and most of the valuable properties were preserved.

“The Nigerian Navy hereby restates that under the leadership of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, the service will continue to ensure the security and safety of all legitimate sea farers within Nigeria’s maritime domain”, Adams Aliu said.

By: Theresa Frederick, Charity Amiso