Rivers
RSG Ready To Tackle Flooding
Following cases of flooding in parts of the country, the Rivers State Government has expressed its readiness to tackle floods in the State.
State Commissioner for Water Resources and Rural Development, Samuel Eyiba, revealed this while addressing members of the socio-cultural group, Orashi National Congress and the apex socio-cultural organisation in Ekpeye land, the Uzugbani Ekpeye Worldwide, during separate courtesy calls on him , in his office, in Port-Harcourt, at the weekend.
Eyiba, who lamented the negative impact of the 2023 flooding on some families in the State, particularly in the Orashi region, said they are yet to recover from the loss, assuring however that the Governor Fubara-led administration would not allow any part of the State to suffer another disaster due to flooding.
Eyiba disclosed that plans were in top gear by the Ministry to synergise with other Ministries and relevant agencies to move residents to safer places as part of measures to mitigate the impact of the forecast flood.
Earlier in his speech, the President General, Orashi National Congress, Emeni Ibe, lauded the Commissioner for the proactive steps taken on issues of flooding, particularly in the Orashi area while also expressing appreciation to Governor Fubara for sponsoring the body’s recent visit to Abuja.
Ibe further solicited support from the Commissioner in the association’s forthcoming campaign on peace, unity and security across the four local government areas of the region, which he said was geared towards the development of the people of his ethnic extraction.
Also speaking, the President General of Uzugbani Ekpeye Worldwide, and retired cardiologist, Dr Ukechukwu Michael Nyemenem, stressed the need for the establishment of permanent refuge camps for evacuated persons from flood affected areas and called on those involved in mapping the flood-prone areas to be timely to nip in the bud the perennial problem of flooding in the axis.
Promising to bring to bear his experience and expertise as a medical doctor, Nyemenem pledged the commitment and collaboration of other stakeholders in the Orashi region with the state government in curbing the menace of flooding.
He expressed optimism that the Commissioner, Samuel Eyiba, being an Orashi son, would make the area proud by championing actions that would improve the environment of the Orashi region in particular and Rivers State in general.
Highlight of the visit was the presentation of a certificate of patron to the commissioner by the Orashi National Congress.
In another development, the Commissioner for Water Resources and Development, Samuel Eyiba, said the State government, through its regulatory agency, would clamp down on quacks in the state’s water sector.
Eyiba issued the warning when the leadership of the Hygienic Water Producers Association of Nigeria(HWAPAN), Rivers State Chapter, visited him in his office in Port Harcourt.
While noting that the activities and production of some water producers were below the Ministry’s standard, he maintained that it is the responsibility of the government to ensure the health and safety of its residents, insisting that it would not relent in sanctioning any producer that would not meet the required standards.
Earlier, the State HWAPAN Chairman, EgbiriOderi, sated that the visit was to familiarize with the Commissioner and pledged his association’s support to work cooperatively with the ministry as partners in progress.
Oderi further disclosed plans to increase the price of sachet water in the State resulting from the high cost of production.
Niger Delta
RSNC Head Charges NAOMEW On Professionalism, Effective Service Delivery

The Head of Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mrs Stella Dornubari Gbaraba, has charged the National Association of Ogoni Media House Workers (NAOMEW) World Wide, to be committed to professionalism, patriotism and effective service delivery in the discharge of their duties and rendering of patriotic gestures.
Mrs Gbaraba gave the charge yesterday when the NAOMEW, The Tide Chapter paid her a courtesy call in her office in Port Harcourt.
She expressed deep appreciation for the visit, and assured the Association of her commitment to being a worthy Ogoni Ambassador like late Mr Augustine Nwikinaka, former General Manager of the corporation, to promote the fortunes of the corporation, while counting on their unflinching encouragement, prayers and support to succeed.
“ I am very happy to receive the National Association of Ogoni Media House Workers (The Tide Chapter) today in my office. I am glad you people came to my office, for those that know me in a short while in the corporation, I am a serious-minded person. I heard that the time the corporation was functioning well was under the leadership of late Austin Nwikinaka. Any where I go to, I will rather come down and show working example and that is what the Ogoni person is known for. So I am always proud to associate myself with an Ogoni man, so your support means so much to me,” Mrs Gbaraba said.
She assured them of running an open-door policy in the management of the corporation, and urged stronger partnership between NAOMEW, other unions, interest groups, corporate organisations, institutions and the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation in professional service delivery.
Speaking on behalf of the NAOMEW, The Tide Chapter, the National Secretary of the association, Comrade Taneh Beemene welcomed her into The Tide family and also congratulated her on her very important appointment.
Taneh, who expressed confidence in her experience and abilities to deliver on her assignments, thanked her for the uncommon feats recorded in the corporation within her brief leadership. He said the corporation has been revived from its comatose status that predated her appointment.
“ Within your short time, you have given the corporation a remarkable facelift. We pray that God should give you the enablement to restore the dignity of the corporation. We have come to inform you that we are solidly behind you and will make our untiring contributions to make you succeed, “ he stated.
In his vote of thanks and closing remarks, the Chairman, National Union of Printing, Publishing and Paper Production Workers (NUPPPPROW), Comrade Keyirale Donatus Nwiueh thanked the Head of the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mrs Stella Dornubari Gbaraba for receiving the association in a warm manner, adding that she should count on the support of the association to succeed.
Kiadum Edookor
Niger Delta
OBALGA Sole Administrator Presents Brand New Fire Extinguishers To Council …Commiserates With Traders Over Rumuomasi Market Fire Incident …Commences Desilting Of Drainages

The Sole Administrator of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Dr Clifford Ndu Walter has presented 150 brand new fire extinguishers to the council.
Dr Walter who spoke to newsmen at the council premises at Rumuodumanya said the gesture was part of measures by his administration to ensure safety of lives and council property from unforeseen fire incidents.
He urged the staff of the council to ensure the safety of the extinguishers, while promising to engage experts to teach them how to handle and operate the extinguishers.
Meanwhile, Sole Administrator of Obio Akpor Local Government Council, Dr Clifford Ndu Walter has commiserated with traders at the Rumuomasi Market over the unfortunate fire incident that gutted parts of the market.
Dr Walter who visited the market to assess the level of damage caused by the fire, described it as unfortunate
Addressing the crowd of distressed traders and community members, Dr. Walter acknowledged the historical significance of the market, which was originally built under the administration of the former Obio/Akpor Chairman and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief (Barr.) Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON.
He noted that preliminary findings suggest the fire may have been caused by an electrical fault, though a full investigation is still underway.
“As a local government, we will constitute a thorough investigation team to determine the root cause of the fire,
“Most importantly, we thank God that no lives were lost. I want to assure our traders that the Local Government will not abandon you.
“We will also work with security operatives to safeguard salvaged goods and prevent further losses,” he said.
He encouraged traders to adopt stricter safety measures, especially concerning electrical appliances in markets prone to fire hazards.
“There are many ways fires can ignite, even without an open flame. Let us all be vigilant and prioritise safety,” he cautioned.
Dr. Walter also commended those who stepped in to assist during the emergency.
“We are grateful to all who helped salvage goods and support affected persons during the crisis. Your kindness embodies the spirit of Obio/Akpor. The forthcoming investigation will help us put preventive structures in place,” he said.
The Chairman of the market, Mr. Prince Adele, who accompanied Dr. Walter, during the inspection, identified K-Lane as the most severely affected area.
A statement by the information officer to the council, Ominini Leslie Wokoma said no incident of death was reported by the traders during the visit.
In another development, the Sole Administrator of Obio/Akpor local government council, Sir Clifford Ndu Walter, has commenced a comprehensive canal clearance campaign with a view to identifying and removal of all blockages including illegal structures hindering the free flow of waters in the area.
A statement from the council Press Secretary, Ominini Leslie Wokoma said during the inspection of key canals in the area, several unauthorised barricades and blockages were discovered and removed.
According to the statement, Dr Walter emphasised that illegal dumping, unapproved structures and poor drainage habits endanger communities and undermine government efforts, adding that his administration is committed to protecting lives and property of the citizens.
It said the Sole Administrator also declared his readiness to ensure that all canals and drainages are cleaned, maintained and functioning effectively.
He also warned against further dumping of waste in waterways, citing impending flooding.
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