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

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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.

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Rivers

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

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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.

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CDS Urges Communities To Protect Pipelines

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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
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Monarch Cautions Youths Against Illicit Drug Consumption

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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
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