Rivers
Don, Stakeholders Urge Environmental Laws In N’Delta
A lecturer at the University of Port Harcourt, Prof. Ibibia Worika, has called for stronger implementation of legal and policy frameworks to address the conflicts and environmental challenges facing the Niger Delta region.
Worika, who is the Director of the University’s Centre for Advanced Law Research, Faculty of Law, made the call during a stakeholders’ workshop held in Port Harcourt, with the theme, “Building Peace in the Fire.”
Worika, a Professor of Comparative Petroleum and International Environmental Law and Policy at the University of Port Harcourt, said the workshop was aimed at promoting dialogue to enhance the utilisation of legal and policy provisions.
He explained that such provisions were designed to combat extractive industry-related conflicts in the Niger Delta region.
In his paper titled “Addressing the Challenges of Hydrocarbon Mining and Related Conflicts: Towards Promoting Rights-Based Actions for Combating Climate Change in Rivers State”, he noted that pollution and environmental degradation in the region were widespread and well documented.
According to him, deliberations at the workshop focused on Nigeria and international legal frameworks that support oil extraction, while safeguarding environmental responsibilities and human rights.
Worika explained that although Nigeria’s Constitution did not expressly provide for enforceable environmental rights, the domesticated African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights contained provisions on environmental rights that courts could enforce when necessary.
He urged multinational oil companies operating in the region to comply with established international norms, including the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Guidelines and the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.
“These companies are largely from OECD member countries. They should internalise biodiversity safety measures and other international standards in their operations in the Niger Delta,” Worika said.
The Professor also urged the Federal Government to establish an environmental remediation trust fund for the Niger Delta, similar to the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project set up for Ogoniland.
He noted that while one billion dollars had been earmarked over 25 to 30 years for the Ogoni clean-up, other parts of the region suffering similar environmental damage required comparable intervention.
Worika further called for the effective implementation of the Host Community Development Trust provisions under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), with minimal political interference and equitable representation of host communities.
He emphasised transparency and accountability in managing the trusts, adding that communities should be fully informed about membership criteria and project implementation processes.
On the remediation of Ogoniland oil pollution, Worika advocated for greater community engagement and inclusiveness in project planning and implementation.
“I would like to see greater community engagement, especially in cases where agencies decide how and where to intervene without adequate consultation with those affected. That is certainly not a good approach”, Worika said.
He stressed that communities most impacted by environmental degradation should be included at the planning and design stages and integrated into the project implementation process.
According to him, while technical aspects may require specialised expertise, local residents can handle less technical tasks such as sand removal and soil excavation, thereby enhancing ownership and empowerment.
Similarly, the President of the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP), Mr. Olu-Andah Wai-Ogosu, attributed rising youth restiveness and communal conflicts in Ogoni communities to poor mentorship and leadership failures.
“Our youths today are so much in a hurry. They don’t take time to understand issues before taking sides. They are easily swayed by short-term benefits and often fall prey to politicians”, he said.
He added that the crisis in traditional and political leadership had contributed to conflicts in the area.
Wai-Ogosu used the opportunity to urge parents and community leaders to instil discipline and moral values in young people to promote sustainable peace and development in the Niger Delta.
The workshop was organised by the Habitat Protection and Sustainabley Development Initiative, in collaboration with the Centre for Advanced Law Research, Rivers State University.
By: Theresa Frederick & Charity Amiso
Continue Reading
Traders at Ibaka Town Market have commended the Chairman of Okrika Local Government Area, Hon. Akuro Alfred Tobin, for his administration’s empowerment initiatives targeted at women, and ongoing market reforms.
The women made the commendation recently when members of the Ibaka Town Market Women Association paid a courtesy visit to the Council’s boss to express their appreciation for what they described as impactful and people-oriented leadership.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, the Women Leader, Mrs. Comfort Achese, praised the Chairman for the financial grants disbursed during the first phase of his empowerment programme.
According to her, the intervention has significantly boosted business activities and improved the livelihoods of small-scale traders within the market.
She described the initiative as timely and transformative, noting that many women have been able to expand their trading capacity and better support their families as a result of the financial support.
The delegation also applauded the Council’s Chairman for taking proactive steps to address longstanding challenges within Ibaka Market.
They noted noticeable improvements in the trading environment, which they said have contributed to a more organized, safer, and conducive space for commerce.
Responding, Hon. Tobin expressed gratitude to the market women for the visit and their continued support. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to grassroots development, emphasizing that empowering women and small businesses remains central to his governance agenda.
The Chairman further assured the traders that additional phases of the empowerment programme are in the pipeline, alongside further infrastructural upgrades aimed at strengthening economic activities across markets in the Local Government Area.
He encouraged the women to remain steadfast in their businesses, assuring them that his administration would continue to implement policies and programmes that promote inclusive growth and improve living standards in Okrika.
The visit underscores the growing collaboration between the Council’s leadership and grassroots stakeholders, particularly women, in driving sustainable economic development within the community.
By: By Michael T. Abraham
The Executive Chairman of Ogu-Bolo Local Government Area (LGA), Barr. Vincent Nemieboka, has presented a ?20,509,859,898.65 appropriation bill for the 2026 fiscal year to the Legislative Assembly.
He said this is a reaffirmation of his administration’s commitment to inclusive growth and sustainable development.
The budget proposal, unveiled during the maiden plenary session held in the newly renovated Legislative Chamber, he said, marks a significant milestone for the Council.
The upgraded chamber, equipped with modern facilities, hosted lawmakers and top government officials in what was described as a historic sitting.
Welcoming the Chairman, the Leader of the Legislative Assembly, Chief Cllr. Tekena Akor, described the occasion as a turning point for governance in the area and expressed confidence that the proposed budget would accelerate development across Ogu-Bolo.
In his address, Nemieboka expressed gratitude to God for the successful inauguration of the new legislative session and commended the Assembly for its continued cooperation with the Executive arm.
He also pledged to construct a brand-new Legislative Chamber to further strengthen legislative operations.
The Chairman extended condolences to the Assembly over the passing of the father of the House Leader, offering prayers for strength and comfort to the bereaved family.
Reflecting on the achievements of his administration, Nemieboka highlighted several ongoing and completed projects across the council.
He disclosed that electrification projects in Ikpokiri and Opu-Ama communities are at advanced stages, with transmission towers already installed and efforts underway to connect them to the national grid.
He noted that the island community of Iwo Kiri has been equipped with solar-powered street lighting, while the ELE Health Centre is nearing completion.
In the education sector, ELE Primary School is undergoing major renovation, including reroofing and structural upgrades, while construction is ongoing at Bolo Primary School.
Additionally, a modern Assembly Hall is being built for Community Secondary School, Bolo.
Other projects include the commencement of Teachers’ Quarters in Owuogono Community, completion of electrical infrastructure in Chuku-Ama, pending transformer installation, and near completion of a Town Hall and footpath road in Nemieboka-Ama.
In Wakama, internal road construction has been completed, alongside rehabilitation of a previously damaged school building.
On empowerment initiatives, the Chairman disclosed that monthly grants for youths are ongoing, while 500 women are set to benefit from ?150,000 each as business support grants aimed at boosting small-scale enterprises and improving household incomes.
He also highlighted a partnership with the Lulu Briggs Foundation, through which law students received ?1 million each in educational support.
Looking ahead, the 2026 budget outlines ambitious plans, including the construction of recreational and developmental centres such as gyms and basketball courts, implementation of a subsidized transport scheme, and expansion of skill acquisition programmes.
The Chairman further said plans are also underway for the building and furnishing of a befitting palace for the Ogu Kingdom, procurement of a bus for legislators, and further investments in sports development.
In a notable declaration, Barr. Nemieboka stated that the council is free from bank debt, attributing this to prudent financial management, transparency, and responsible leadership.
He expressed optimism that the 2026 budget would consolidate existing gains and deliver improved infrastructure, economic opportunities, and enhanced welfare for the people of Ogu-Bolo.
Observers say the scale and scope of the proposed budget reflect a deliberate effort by the council to sustain development momentum and address critical needs across communities within the Local Government Area.
By: Michael T. Abraham
As the digital revolution reshapes global opportunities, the Chairperson of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Rivers State Branch, Mrs. Tamunoibuemi Life-George, has called on girls in Bane Community to embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a vital tool for empowerment and inclusion.
This was part of her message, recently, during the celebration of this year’s International Girls in ICT Day at Marian High School, Bane, in Khana Local Government Area.
The FIDA Chairperson stressed the urgency of equipping girls with relevant digital skills to enable them compete in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
Represented by the association’s Secretary, Mrs. Okorite Yobo, Life-George said the initiative reflects FIDA’s commitment to nurturing a new generation of female innovators, problem-solvers and leaders in the digital economy.
She noted that AI, when properly harnessed, offers vast opportunities for learning, creativity and economic advancement, adding that girls must be encouraged to take their rightful place in the technology space.
The Chairperson continued that digital knowledge should not be perceived as the exclusive domain of boys, insisting that bridging the gender gap in technology requires deliberate and sustained advocacy at all levels.
The FIDA Chairpseron explained that her association’s outreach to Bane Community was intentional, and aimed at extending digital awareness to rural areas where access to such opportunities was limited.
Life-George further reiterated that Information and Communication Technology (ICT) represents the future of work and innovation, warning that excluding girls from this space would widen existing inequalities.
She expressed concern over the continued underrepresentation of women in technology-related careers, calling for early exposure and mentorship to spark interest among young girls.
She also commended Cinfores Limited for its collaboration and support, particularly for donating a laptop to a student as a means of encouraging digital learning and excellence.
Earlier, a Performance Test Officer with Cinfores Limited, Miss Winnie Nnadi, had urged the students to remain focused and committed to their studies, noting that determination and proper guidance are key to success in ICT-related careers.
In her remarks, the Vice Principal of the School, Mrs. Maria Patta, appreciated the organisers for bringing the initiative to the school, describing it as timely and impactful for the students’ future aspirations.
Patta, however, highlighted some of the challenges facing the school, including inadequate funding, lack of a school bus and poor infrastructure, and appealed to stakeholders for support, as students who participated in the debate emerged winners and were rewarded with prizes, reinforcing the event’s theme, “AI for Development: Girls Shaping the Digital Future.”
By: King Onunwor
-
Maritime3 days agoCustoms Deploys Seven Patrol Vessels, Boost Waterway Anti-smuggling
-
Sports3 days agoFinancial Issues Stall Chelle’s Eagles Contract Talks
-
Sports3 days ago
Four Private Clubs Gain Promotion To NPFL
-
Sports3 days agoNFF mourns ex-Eagles striker Eneramo
-
Sports3 days agoEuropean Giants Circle For Osimhen
-
Sports3 days agoChelle Confirms Financial Issues in Eagles Contract Discussion
-
Sports3 days agoTennis Event Boosts Grassroots Development Push
-
Sports3 days agoW/Cup Qualifier: Flamingos In Impressive Opener